Demolition of the crumbling Water Street parking ramp in downtown Binghamton is expected to get underway soon.

Mayor Richard David has announced the garage next to Boscov's department store will be torn down and replaced with a mixed-used parking and housing structure.

United Group of Troy and The Pike Company of Rochester will be partners in what is described as a "$48 million total development project."

A conceptual rendering of the proposed Water Street project. (Provided by City of Binghamton)
A conceptual rendering of the proposed Water Street project. (Provided by City of Binghamton)
loading...

The existing 50-year-old parking facility is to be removed to make way for a five-story, 549-space public garage.

A five-story 122-unit apartment complex is to be built over the parking facility.

According to a City Hall news release, the garage demolition is to start after Christmas Day to avoid affected Boscov's during the holiday shopping season.

A section of the Water Street parking garage was closed in July 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A section of the Water Street parking garage was closed in July 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Fifteen years ago, a 7,000-pound piece of concrete fell from the Water Street garage and sliced through a trailer parked at Boscov's loading dock.

After that incident, dozens of similar decorative concrete slabs were removed from the ramp because of safety concerns.

A huge concrete slab fell plunged through a trailer parked in this spot next to the Binghamton Boscov's store in 2006. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A huge concrete slab fell plunged through a trailer parked in this spot next to the Binghamton Boscov's store in 2006. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...
99.1 The Whale logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

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

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

15 Iconic Retail Stores That Don't Exist Anymore (But We Totally Miss Shopping At)

15 Iconic Retail Stores That Don't Exist Anymore (But We Totally Miss Shopping At)

More From 99.1 The Whale