Work on Apartments at Old Binghamton City Hall Nearing Completion

The historic Binghamton Municipal Building is being transformed into a 50-unit luxury apartment complex.

The property - with entrances off Collier and State streets - was acquired by David Solarz of Westchester County just over a year ago.

Solarz told WNBF News he expects construction work on the structure will be completed within a few weeks. He hopes to obtain a certificate of occupancy for the building next month.

The property was unused for several years after the new city hall was built on Hawley Street in the early 1970s. It eventually became the Hotel de Ville and later the Grand Royale.

The future apartment complex in the old Binghamton Municipal Building is located just north of the current City Hall. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The building was constructed in 1897 and 1898. Solarz said a great deal of work was necessary to renovate the building after years of "absolute neglect by multiple owners."

With the project nearly finished, Solarz said he believes "it's going to be the best building in Binghamton."

He plans to market the apartments to graduate students and young professionals.

Solarz declined to estimate how much money is being spent on the apartment project, which will be called Park Place Plaza. Broome County records show the property sold for $1.8 million in December 2019.

The east side of the Grand Royale Hotel in the former municipal building as it appeared in September 2014. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)