Binghamton University May Not Get Approval to Tear Down JC House

A state agency may block Binghamton University's planned demolition of a century-old house in downtown Johnson City.

The property at 190 Main Street was acquired by the Binghamton University Foundation for $327,000 five years ago.

Records indicate the original two-story residence was built in 1925. A large addition was constructed east of the house in 1947.

Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger told WNBF News in 2021 that various uses were under consideration for the site. He described it as "a very attractive building" that had "a great presence on Main Street."

Stenger suggested administrative offices or student services could be located there.

The university later decided to tear down the house and the addition, which most recently had been used for dental offices.

A university spokesperson last March said: "We were attempting to remodel but there was significant water damage that caused irreparable harm to the building."

The statement indicated demolition was planned and it would occur within "the next few weeks."

Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said the state Historic Preservation Office apparently won't approved any effort to tear down the building. He said the agency "believes there's still value in that building."

Meaney said "the building itself is not historic but it's in sight line" with the Goodwill Theatre, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The mayor said the university may decide to put the property on the market.

A university spokesperson this week was unable to provide an update on plans for the site.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to 190 Main Street in Johnson City in March 2025.

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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.