Binghamton Salvation Army Moving to New West Side Site

The Salvation Army is preparing to relocate its Binghamton operations after several years of planning.

About a decade ago, the organization had intended to build an all-purpose community center on Binghamton's North Side to replace the downtown site it has operated for several decades.

But the plan to move to the location on State Street near the Binghamton Plaza was scrapped because it turned out to be too expensive.

The Salvation Army ultimately decided to buy an existing building on the West Side for its Binghamton headquarters. Two years ago, the property at 86 Walnut Street was acquired for $515,000.

Renovations to what had been professional office building began several months ago.

Captain Joseph Hansen of the Salvation Army said construction work at the site is nearing completion and the process of moving from the downtown location is underway.

Hansen told WNBF News he expects operations can begin at the Walnut Street facility soon.

The site will have an array of features to support the Salvation Army's initiatives to serve the area, including a dining area, a kitchen and a food pantry.

The building also will have a chapel, classrooms and a board room that will be available for community meetings.

The Salvation Army will provide meals and a soup kitchen, as well as a hygiene pantry at the Walnut Street site.

The future of the current Salvation Army building on Washington Street is uncertain. The property is on the market with a listed price of $700,000.

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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.