Work Starts at Blighted Building Next to Binghamton Fire HQ

There's been some construction activity at a fire-damaged apartment house in downtown Binghamton.

The owner of the three-story building at 243 Court Street was cited for several code violations. The property is located just east of the city's new fire department headquarters.

The rear section of an apartment house at 243 Court Street on September 4, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Joel Libowitz of Brooklyn told WNBF News about one month ago that he intended to make repairs to the structure, which has been vacant since a December 2020 fire.

This week, Libowitz said work has started at the site. He conceded the place "looks terrible" now but he indicated he's planning to make the building habitable.

He said workers first will focus on dealing with the exterior of the apartment house before turning their attention to the interior. He said "it will be very, very nice."

Construction equipment located in a driveway on the east side of a building at 243 Court Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Libowitz said he's seeking permission from the city to allow crews to use part of the fire station's parking lot to access the west side of his building.

Mayor Jared Kraham said Libowitz must submit the appropriate paperwork and meet insurance requirements to use the parking lot.

The mayor said the property had been cited for "numerous" code violations "mainly dealing with exterior conditions and siding."