Fire-Damaged Binghamton Building To Be Demolished

The Ellis Brothers Furniture building on Water Street in downtown Binghamton is in "imminent danger of collapse" and will soon be torn down.

City officials late this afternoon ordered the closure of Water Street just north of Court Street because of safety concerns.

The interior of the structure at 162 Water Street was gutted by the blaze that broke out on the morning of April 30.

According to a statement released by the mayor's office, engineers determined the building could collapse and must be demolished.

A contractor is expected to start bringing in equipment Thursday and the demolition could get underway soon.

A section of Water Street between the city-owned parking garage and Court Street could be closed for about a week for the demolition and the removal of debris.

City officials say Boscov's and the parking ramp will remain open, along with nearby businesses including Old World Deli, Water Street Brewing Company and Jake's Wine and Liquors.

The sidewalk in front of the damaged Ellis Brothers building will be closed but pedestrian access to other business will be maintained.

According to the mayor's office, city officials are working with the Ellis family on the demolition project.

Immediately after the fire, the family had indicated their goal would be to reopen the business at the site.

The Ellis Brothers furniture store in the MetroCenter in downtown Binghamton remains open.