A Syracuse developer had been considering acquiring an old factory complex in Johnson City since last summer.

Several months after Matthew Paulus first visited the Endicott Johnson Victory building, his development company purchased the property. The sale was first reported by the Press & Sun-Bulletin.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar last October said he had hoped an announcement about the future of the 253,000-square-foot building would be made soon.

Garnar Thursday confirmed that he had been referring to the possibility Paulus would buy the property at 59 Lester Avenue.

Public artwork on the south side of the abandoned Lester Avenue structure. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Public artwork on the south side of the abandoned Lester Avenue structure. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Developer Isaac Anzaroot had purchased the site from the county in late 2017 with an announced plan to use it for senior housing. Although hundreds of stored vehicles were removed from the building, that project fell through.

For months, Paulus declined to comment on his vision for the property. Now that he's acquired it, he says his company is "the formative stages of the development process."

Paulus said plans are being slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He did not indicate when he expected to provide details on what might be done with the building.

A drilling crew working outside the former EJ Victory Building on October 17, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A drilling crew working outside the former EJ Victory Building on October 17, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM