Historic Former Binghamton City Hall Building Condemned

The once-majestic Binghamton City Hall building which was built in 1897 and has been used a hotel in recent years has been declared unfit for human habitation.

Condemnation notices have been posted at the Collier Street and State Street entrances of the structure, which had housed city government offices for seven decades.

The Grand Royale Hotel reopened at the site in September 2015. It had been closed for about 20 months until a group of investors from India announced they were partnering with owner Nirmal Aujla to resume operations.

County records show the property was sold to Lashmont Hotels NY LLC for $1,450,000 in February of last year.

Although a large "Grand Royale" sign remains in front of the building on State Street, smaller signs near the entrances read "Nuru Hotels & Resort Luxury Collection."

A handwritten note at the building provided a contact number for a man who identified himself as Terrence Smith. In two brief phone conversations, he said he was a co-owner of the property.

The man declined to provide details about the status of the hotel, although he indicated "a lot of work" would be needed before it could resume operations. He said that could happen "soon" but he would not be more specific.

A city code enforcement inspector posted the condemnation notices in July after officials learned construction workers apparently had been staying in the building despite unsafe conditions.

A violation notice provided by the city indicated the building had a compromised sprinkler and alarm systems. It also indicated there were problems with furnace exhaust venting.

The old Binghamton City Hall building during the LUMA Festival on September 7, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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

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