They're Saving Binghamton House Once Targeted for Demolition

A house on Court Street in Binghamton that had been targeted for demolition is being saved.

A husband and wife with a vision for the downtown site acquired the property and are preparing to set a business there.

WATCH: Two videos on plans for the downtown location at the end of this article.

An addition to the three-story house at Court and Rutherford streets in downtown Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Thomas and MaryAnn Clifford bought the three-story house several months ago. The structure, which is an example of Queen Anne architecture, was built in the 1890s.

The abandoned building was in terrible condition after it was damaged by an arson fire in August 2025. Trespassers frequently gathered inside the place to sleep and use drugs.

Perhach Pharmacy opened in this space in September 1949. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Cliffords have hired a Broome County firm - Renaissance Developers - to transform the house and an attached addition. A small event center is planned for the first floor with apartments in the upper portion of the building.

A micro bakery and café are planned in the addition, which in the past was used by Perhach Pharmacy and other businesses.

MaryAnn Clifford is planning to call the bakery "House of Bread." In addition to fresh baked goods, she intends to feature local, live entertainment.

The Cliffords say although there's plenty of work ahead, they are excited to be able to bring new life to a property that had been written off.

They hope the apartments and new business will be completed sometime in the coming year.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: We visited the property at 216 Court Street in Binghamton on November 11, 2026.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Thomas and MaryAnn Clifford at the Court Street site on November 11, 2026.

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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 @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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