Johnson City Victory Lofts “Commercial Space” Still Vacant

Almost three years since construction was completed at an old Endicott Johnson shoe factory, space that was earmarked for commercial use remains empty.

The former Victory building on Lester Avenue in Johnson City was converted into a residential complex in a $40 million project by Paulus Development of Syracuse.

Residents began moving into the 156-unit Victory Lofts building in the spring of 2023.

While the apartment portion of the project appears successful, questions have persisted about what will be done with the fifth floor of the old factory.

In announcing the project, developer Matthew Paulus said it would include 7,500 square feet of commercial space. But he has yet to announce any tenants or potential other uses for the building's top floor.

Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney recently said he doesn't know what happened to the commercial portion of the project.

Meaney told WNBF News Paulus "had visions of one large commercial tenant for that space and it didn't come to fruition."

The mayor said he didn't know if the original plans for the fifth floor of the massive Victory building are on hold or if Paulus intends to do additional work at the site.

Meaney said he believes the top floor ultimately could be used to add more apartments to the complex. He said they wouldn't have the "footprint" of the other units because the dimensions differ from the building's four lower floors.

Paulus has not responded to multiple requests over several months for information on what might be done with the vacant space.

A contact form on the Victory Lofts website continues to provide an option for inquiries about commercial space.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Matthew Paulus discussed the redevelopment project inside the old Victory factory on August 11, 2022.

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