Abandoned Endicott Kmart Building May Be Saved by Developers

New projects are being discussed for the vacant Kmart building that had been a key part of the Endicott Plaza.

The once-powerful retail chain had intended to reopen its Endicott store after it sustained flood damage in September 2011. But the struggling company scrapped its plans for the site.

Two years ago, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said he wanted the vacant building demolished. Noting the place had become an eyesore, he told WNBF News "people shouldn't have to look at that - that crap!"

At the time, Garnar said the structure should be torn down and redevelopment ideas should be considered for the site.

Green Mountain Electric Supply of Vermont acquired the 17-acre site in February 2023 for $1 million. But the company gave up on developing a distribution center at the site because the floor inside the old store could not support the items that would be stored there.

Garnar now is expressing optimism about finding an appropriate use for the building. He said there currently is "a lot of interest in the site." He said "we are having conversations every week with developers" who have potential ideas for the former Kmart store.

The county executive said "I really think that over the next couple of months, we're going to have a path that will be publicized" for the redevelopment of the property.

Garnar said the site "could be used for anything." But he acknowledged it probably would not be appropriate for housing.

He said "the main goal is to get that site cleaned up and put to active use again." He said the prospective developers who are looking at the property are looking to repurpose the existing building so it would not have to be demolished.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.