Consumers in Binghamton, Syracuse, and Utica continued to take a dour view of the real-estate market in the fourth quarter of 2011, remaining in step with downcast assessments from across the state.

ITHACA — Cornell University will relaunch the design phase of its new humanities building now that the buildings and properties committee of the Cornell Board of Trustees unanimously approved the measure Jan. 19, according to the Cornell Chronicle. It’s the first new building at Cornell in more than 100 years.

NEW HARTFORD — Speedy Awards & Engraving, Inc. has a new home and plans to add some new products as the company’s owners work to continue the growth they generated in 2011.

Elmira Savings Bank will open a new branch in a Big Flats.

Elmira entered into an agreement with Empower Federal Credit Union to purchase its building at 971 County Route 64 in a deal expected to close Jan. 13, according to a press release. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

CAZENOVIA -- Kurt F. Wendler and Gregory S. Widrick, managing partners of Sphere Development LLC, left their jobs at Syracuse-based mall developer The Pyramid Companies in May 2006 to start their own commercial real-estate firm.
 

Gov. David A. Paterson signed into law a bill that will increase the availability of rehabilitation tax credits to developers of New York historic structures.

The new bill increases the New York Historic Tax Credit to 20 perce