Court Street Building Construction May Start in Winter

Work on a long-awaited commercial and residential building in the center of downtown Binghamton may finally get underway within the next few months.

Developer Mark Yonaty says the project he's envisioned for a site on the southeast corner of Court and State streets will receive some state funding.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Yonaty said there remains "a bit of a shortfall" in terms of financing that he expects can be addressed by modifying the project design.

Yonaty said he anticipates a financial institution will be the anchor tenant on the street level of the five-story building. Plans call for 16 apartments on the upper floors.

Yonaty said he now is partnering with another local developer - Yaron Kweller - on the project. Kweller purchased the former Family Dollar building on Court Street from Mayor Richard David last year.

The building may be constructed using a cast concrete system. Yonaty said the technique could reduce the construction time needed for the project.

The developer said he hopes work could get underway during the winter months. He said that plan could be affected by the weather.

Yonaty said he'll work with city officials to minimize construction-related traffic disruptions at the busy Court Street intersection.

The building is expected to look similar to the design renderings that have previously been made public. Yonaty said the city's Commission on Architecture and Urban Design had asked for some "reasonable" changes in the design.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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