Without a Trace: IBM Country Club Gone 11 Weeks After Demo Began

The heavy equipment has been hauled away from what had been the once-beautiful IBM Country Club complex east of Endicott.

Workers with Gorick Construction of Binghamton were on the site for nearly three months to remove the buildings, swimming pools and banquet facilities along Watson Boulevard in the town of Union.

Project superintendent Jon Cary told WNBF News on Friday that the demolition equipment was taken away from the property a few days ago. He said seeding and mulching at the site will be done when weather permits.

The country club was one of the perks for employees at IBM locations in Endicott, Owego, Glendale and Vestal for much of the 20th century.

Although the property once was regarded as one of region's popular for recreational events and special celebrations, it fell into disrepair due to flooding in June 2006.

Bill Walsh, a former owner, the following year predicted much of the main structure of what had been renamed the Heritage Country Club would have to be demolished.

Paul Darpino acquired the property from Broome County for $260,000 in 2009 but he was unable to redevelop the site. The county's Local Development Corporation bought the property for $300,000 last February.

Broome County officials had announced up to $2 million in funds from the federal American Rescue Plan would be made available to help cover the cost of tearing down the complex.

A year ago, LeChase Construction and Conifer Reality unveiled a plan to build a 75-unit apartment project on the site. Groundbreaking is expected in the spring.

VIDEO: A few thoughts about the IBM Country Club now that the demolition has been completed.

MORE: A gallery of the way things were before the IBM Country Club met its ultimate fate.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.