The city of Binghamton's efforts to fight blight have not reached a massive abandoned downtown apartment building.

The three-story structure at 263 Washington Street has been vacant for several years. The building is located one block north of the Forum Theatre.

Broome County records show the property was acquired for $57,500 by a limited liability company with a New Paltz address eight years ago.

The owners first submitted plans for the building about five years ago. Although a renovation project at the former Boys Club building next door was completed by developers, work on the old apartment house has stalled.

Binghamton Mayor Richard David Tuesday said the city has been talking with the owner as well as others "who are proposing plans for that area."

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the mayor said if the current owner's plan can't be accomplished, "we might need to move in another direction."

David said "something needs to be done with that building" but he offered no indication as to when anything will be done to deal with the downtown eyesore.

The building, which once was known as "The Kenmore," was constructed between 1885 and 1891, according to public records. It's listed by the city as a "local landmark property."

Representatives of the building owners could not be reached to discuss the status of their redevelopment plans.

The south side of the landmark building at 263 Washington Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The south side of the landmark building at 263 Washington Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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