Crews Prepare For Downtown Binghamton Demolition

Workers have been positioning equipment and making preparations for the demolition of the fire-damaged Ellis Brothers Furniture building in downtown Binghamton.

City officials on Wednesday announced the Water Street structure would be torn down because engineers determined it could collapse.

After the April 30 fire, the Ellis family indicated there would be an effort to rebuild at the site. There had been hope the brick exterior of the building could be preserved. Engineers who examined the structure said that would not be possible.

A portion of Water Street just north of Court Street will remain closed to vehicles until the demolition project has been completed.

Ellis Brothers Furniture vice president Chuck Ellis Friday afternoon watched as crews worked at the site.

The familiar "Contemporary Furniture" sign had been removed from the front of the building a few hours earlier.

Ellis expressed thanks to customers, residents, city officials and others who've provided support since the fire.

The Ellis Brothers Furniture store at 159 Washington Street near the MetroCenter remains open.