Demolition of the IBM Country Club complex used by employees and families of the company's old Endicott site is expected to start in a few days.

Fencing has been erected around the abandoned buildings and swimming pools on Watson Boulevard in the town of Union, just west of Johnson City.

Many people who were part of "IBM Families" have plenty of memories of special events at the iconic country club.

Fencing surrounded the old IBM Country Club buildings on October 13, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Fencing surrounded the old IBM Country Club buildings on October 13, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Although the place is about to become history, County Executive Jason Garnar said there'll be a way for people to obtain a piece of their past.

Garnar told WNBF News "a lot of people have inquired about" obtaining some sort of memento from the country club. He said information will be released at a ceremony next week "on a time when people can pick up bricks and things like that."

The county executive noted a similar opportunity was provided when an old Endicott Johnson factory in West Endicott was torn down for a redevelopment project.

The interior of an IBM Country Club building had been damaged by intruders. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The interior of an IBM Country Club building had been damaged by intruders. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Garnar said he's looking forward to the demolition of the country club complex to clear the site for a planned apartment project. He said he's often called the blighted site "the saddest eyesore in Broome County."

Now, he said, the place can be cleaned up to clear the way for "a really nice project." He said demolition work is expected to take about a month.

LeChase Construction and Conifer Realty are developing the 75-unit apartment complex. The project is expected to cost about $15 million.

Harsh Reality: A Look at the Old IBM Country Club

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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