Rare Development: "Spec House" Being Built in Endwell

For the first time in years, a builder is constructing a single-family "spec house" on a lot in the town of Union.

A developer acquired the land for the project at the corner of Taft Avenue and O'Day Drive in Endwell in early July. The house is being built on speculation that a buyer will be found shortly after it's been completed. The site is about two miles north of Country Club Road.

Long-time builder Michael Malarkey said he started work on the house a couple of months ago. While working at the site Wednesday morning, he told WNBF News he expects construction to be finished in about three months.

Construction equipment at the site of a spec house being built in Endwell on October 2, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Robert Mack, the town of Union supervisor, said he's excited by the project, noting it appears to be the first spec house project built locally in many years.

He said he's "thrilled that someone is putting some faith in the area" with what eventually could lead to the construction of dozens of other single-family homes in the town.

The new house is being constructed on a lot at O'Day Drive and Taft Avenue. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Mack said he's hoping Malarkey's initiative will encourage other builders to consider similar projects on land that's available in the town.

A 2017 housing study commissioned by Broome County economic development officials noted very few spec houses were being built locally. The study said that forces buyers to look for suitable houses in the resale market.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to the construction site on October 2, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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