Redevelopment Project at Binghamton Masonic Temple Site Underway

The long-dormant Masonic Temple building on Binghamton's West Side could be back in use by the time the historic structure turns 100 years old.

The massive six-story complex at Main and Murray streets, just west of Binghamton High School, hasn't been used in decades.

Developer Isaac Anzaroot plans to convert most of the building into market-rate apartments. The proposal he submitted to the city planning commission calls for 38 apartments with a total of 56 bedrooms.

A worker inside the Masonic Temple building on May 4, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Anzaroot expects the street level of the structure will be used for commercial space.

The developer said he's "extremely excited" to be moving forward with the project. He said debris is being removed from the building and repairs will be made to the roof before construction gets underway.

Property records indicate the building has more than 74,000 square feet of space.

A work zone on Murray Street on the east side of the Binghamton Masonic Temple building. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Binghamton Press estimated more than 5,000 people attending the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Masonic Temple in July 1922.

Anzaroot said July 2022 is the target date for occupancy of the building. He said when the project is finished, "it will make an impact on every person that drives by it."

Anzaroot added: "We are hoping the city will work with us to get this completed on time."

The columns of the historic Masonic Temple in Binghamton on May 4, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

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Binghamton Masonic Temple: An Exclusive Look Inside

It has been years since the historic Masonic Temple building on Binghamton's West Side was active. We toured the magnificent structure from top to bottom for a special photo gallery back in 2016.

The structure at Main and Murray streets was constructed in 1922. It was used for a wide range of events for several decades but it has been vacant for many years.

Although the building now is nearly a century old, it appears to be structurally sound. But as our tour this week revealed, plenty of work is needed to bring the place back to life.