University Set to Convert Johnson City Plant into Library Annex

Binghamton University is preparing to turn a closed newspaper printing site into a library facility.

School president Harvey Stenger said work will begin immediately at the former Gannett Central New York complex in Johnson City.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Stenger said shelving for the books will be purchased soon.

Stenger described the 97,000-square-foot building as "perfect" for the library annex. He said it has "very level concrete floors" and "very tall ceilings."

The lights were on but there was no activity at the former Gannett printing plant on October 4, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

After new shelves are installed, books will be moved from other university library storage sites over the next several months.

Stenger said the building is in "great shape" although the parking lot may need some work.

The Press & Sun-Bulletin reported the building was purchased for $4.5 million.

Gannett spent about $50 million to develop the modern printing facility about 15 years ago. The company shut down the plant in June 2018 in a cost-cutting move that eliminated nearly 100 jobs.

Part of a custom-built German printing press outside the former Johnson City Gannett plant before it was taken to a Binghamton scrapyard on March 21, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)