Binghamton Mayor: Historic Masonic Temple Likely Can't Be Saved

Mayor Jared Kraham says the cost of rehabilitating the century-old building would exceed its marketable use.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:50pm

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The abandoned Masonic Temple building in Binghamton, New York, which has stood vacant for decades, will likely have to be demolished, according to Mayor Jared Kraham. The mayor had previously held out hope that the historic structure could be restored, but now believes the cost of remediation and rehabilitation would be too high compared to the building's potential use.

Why it matters

The Masonic Temple has been an eyesore in the Binghamton community for years, with frequent trespassing issues and a 2025 arson fire. Its demolition would clear the way for potential commercial redevelopment of the site, but also marks the loss of a historic landmark in the city.

The details

The Masonic Temple building, which opened in 1923, is currently owned by a Long Island real estate investment firm and listed for sale at $150,000. Mayor Kraham said he does not have a specific vision for the site's future, but believes it could represent a "commercial development opportunity" along with the neighboring former Dollar General property.

  • The Masonic Temple building has been vacant for decades.
  • In March 2025, firefighters battled an arson blaze inside the building.
  • The property is currently listed for sale at $150,000.

The players

Jared Kraham

The mayor of Binghamton, New York, who has acknowledged the historic Masonic Temple building likely cannot be saved and will need to be demolished.

Sharestates

A Long Island real estate investment firm that currently owns the Masonic Temple property in Binghamton.

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What they’re saying

“there is not a reasonable way that property can be rehabilitated.”

— Jared Kraham, Mayor of Binghamton

“the cost of remediation and rehabilitation "would so exceed its marketable use that I don't see a future for that building other than demolition.”

— Jared Kraham, Mayor of Binghamton

What’s next

The mayor did not provide a specific timeline for when the Masonic Temple building might be demolished, but indicated the cost of demolition would be "substantial."

The takeaway

The potential demolition of the historic Masonic Temple building in Binghamton highlights the challenges faced by cities in preserving aging landmarks, especially when the cost of rehabilitation exceeds their practical reuse. This decision reflects a difficult balance between honoring the past and enabling future commercial development in the community.