Binghamton Press Building Transformation Underway

Construction crews are working in downtown Binghamton to turn a former office building into a student housing complex.

The project at the historic Press Building on Chenango Street was announced a few weeks ago.

A crane is being used to lift materials to the upper floors of the 12-story structure. The work has resulted in the occasional closure of the southbound lane of Chenango Street between Henry and Court streets.

In addition to the former Press Building, the complex will encompass two structures to the north.

Property manager Terrance Maclin said the first of The Printing House Apartments should be available for occupancy by Binghamton University students in August. The facility is to be managed by Campus Evolution Villages.

Maclin said the complex will have capacity for more than 300 students.

The 111-year-old building had been used for several decades by The Binghamton Press. It later was used as offices for a law firm and other businesses.

The structure sustained heavy water and smoke damage in December 2010 because of a fire at the neighboring Midtown Mall building.