Johnson City Prepares to Reassemble Historic Square Deal Arch

People traveling on Main Street between Johnson City and Binghamton can look forward to seeing the restored Square Deal Arch soon.

The iconic structure at the city line was removed by construction workers nearly a year ago after it became clear that the original repair plan for the arch wasn't feasible.

The stones and steel that were part of the century-old landmark were taken from the site so a revised restoration approach could be pursued.

FLASHBACK: Construction crews at the Johnson City Workers Arch on May 28, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said the village is moving forward with the project. He told WNBF News that the schedule calls for the arch to be reassembled starting around the end of September.

Meaney said the work should be completed by the end of the construction season.

Traffic will be detoured around the project site while the pieces of the arch are put into place.

A concrete support for the Workers Arch on Main Street at the Johnson City-Binghamton border on May 22, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The mayor said there may be a rededication ceremony after the restoration job has been completed, although no tentative date has been set.

Construction of the arch started in April 1919. Its original dedication ceremony was held on Labor Day 1920, the same day a companion arch in Endicott was dedicated.

Both arches were built by Endicott Johnson Shoe Company workers.

FLASHBACK: A view of the Workers Arch from the city of Binghamton on January 11, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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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.

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