On Binghamton’s Westside along Front Street sat a building that had many previous lives. 50 Front Street, which was constructed in 1959, was once home to a Sheraton hotel, the studios for local CBS news affiliate WBNG, and even the Renaissance Plaza nursing home. It fully closed its doors in 2011 and was transferred to the BCLB in 2014 after being taken by Broome County Government through foreclosure in 2012.

Due to previous flooding, toxic mold, and severe neglect, the building needed to come down. The BCLB received a $3 Million grant through the Regional Council Capital Fund Program from NYS ESD to cover demolition and remediation expenses.

After issuing an RFP for the redevelopment of the site, Newman Development Group was selected to undertake a $31 Million project to construct a new, five-story structure. This new building would include 10,000 sq ft of commercial space on the first floor, market-rate apartments on the floors above, and underground parking below.

The demolition took place in mid-2017, with the groundbreaking on the new construction project happening shortly after. The Newman Development Group took around one year and was completed in 2018.

This project truly took a village to make it a reality. Having the financial support of New York State, the Agency (Broome County IDA), Broome County Government, and the BCLB was instrumental in making this a reality.

Now more than five years later, 50 Front Street is still thriving and is a true testament to the success of the BCLB in tackling some of our area’s largest eyesores.