The Broome County Land Bank (BCLB) acquired 47 North Street, which is in Binghamton’s First Ward, back in 2015. Due to its rough condition, the home was originally acquired with the intent of demolition.

The home, known as the Sturtevant House, was built in the 1870s and was home to James Sturtevant, one of the co-founders of the Sturtevant-Larrabee Co., a once leading manufacturer of sleighs and carriages. Unfortunately, over the years, the home had fallen into disrepair.

That’s when the BCLB was contacted by residents of the First Ward and the organization Safe Streets to try and save the home. They originally wanted to acquire the home themselves to salvage it, but the cost and non-access to State funds made that nearly impossible.

However, by retaining the title, the BCLB, with the assistance of New York State, Broome County Government, the City of Binghamton, and First Ward Action Council (FWAC), the structure was able to be saved. The total cost to renovate the home was $768,000, with the BCLB providing $170,000 toward the project.

Under the project, the home was converted into a community center as part of FWAC’s Crandall & North Street Revitalization Project. This project called for creation of 37 affordable housing units on these two streets in the First Ward. The project was heavily funded by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal.

When everything was said and done, the ribbon cutting for the completed building renovation was in December 2018, and the mission to “Save 47 North Street” had been accomplished.