Construction Starts on "Number 5 Commons" Project in Binghamton

An old structure on Binghamton's South Side has been torn down as a redevelopment project involving a historic firehouse moves forward.

The $5 million project is anchored by the building on South Washington Street that was home to Number 5 restaurant for 42 years.

Developer Brett Pritchard said he's lining up retail and office tenants for the former fire station and for another building just south of it.

This house on Mary Street was torn down on September 21, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Monday, Pritchard said current and former residents of the neighborhood were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. He said it represented "kind of the end of one era and the start of another era."

A 7,000-square-foot building is to be constructed on the east side of the project site. It will have a Mirabito convenience store, a Peoples Security Bank and Trust branch office and a small restaurant or coffee shop.

Pritchard said a local retailer plans to set up shop on the first floor of the old fire station. The second floor will be used for office space.

Inside the historic Binghamton fire station building at 33 South Washington Street on September 21, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)