Project Proposed for Old Binghamton Cigar Factory

A Syracuse developer has announced plans to renovate a building that once housed a cigar factory on Binghamton's West Side.

Matthew Paulus wants to rehabilitate the four-story building at 6 Emma Street and develop nearly 100 lofts at the site.

Paulus Development is expected to allocate two floors of commercial space totaling 50,000 square feet.

A news release issued on Monday described the planned mixed-use development as a $20 million project.

The developer is seeking a $4 million state grant through the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council.

Project financing also would include state and federal historic tax credits.

The building was constructed about 90 years ago for the General Cigar Company. It became an Ansco camera factory in 1937.

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places about five years ago.

Broome County took the property over for back taxes in 2015.

Wilson Electroplating Company currently operates at the site. A worker on Monday said employees had not been told what was happening with the building.

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