The tallest privately-owned office building in downtown Binghamton could wind up being home for hundreds of people in the future.

The landmark Press Building, which was built in 1904, had been renovated and renamed the Professional Towers at 19 Chenango Street.

The 12-story structure sustained heavy smoke and water damage when fire tore through the neighboring Midtown Mall complex in 2010.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
loading...

Developer Mark Yonaty of Greater Binghamton Development says his company sold the property in August.

The building was purchased for $2.1 million by 19 Chenango Street Associates LLC.

Leigh McCullen, a senior planner for the city, says the Binghamton planning commission approved a multi-unit dwelling site plan for the

Bob Joseph/WNBF news
Bob Joseph/WNBF news
loading...

project in September.

The proposal calls for 68 units with a total of 231 bedrooms. The ground floor would be reserved for commercial use.

Representatives of the new owners could not be reached for comment.

The city Office of Building Construction, Zoning and Code Enforcement would not release information on any permits the owners may be seeking for the property.

The building remains vacant and there are no signs of any recent construction or other activity at the property.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM