Binghamton Orders Demolition of Longtime Downtown Eyesore

The crumbling Kenmore Building will be torn down after over a decade of neglect.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:26pm

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An abstract, impressionistic view of a dilapidated urban building facade, with the details obscured in a hazy, out-of-focus wash of warm, earthy tones, conceptually representing the crumbling Kenmore Building in Binghamton.As Binghamton works to revitalize its downtown, the long-neglected Kenmore Building is finally set to be demolished, removing a persistent eyesore and public safety risk.Binghamton Today

The city of Binghamton has ordered the owners of the dilapidated Kenmore Building to demolish the structure "as soon as possible" or the city will do it and send them the bill. The historic downtown building, constructed around 1890, has been considered a blight on the community for over a decade after a failed renovation attempt.

Why it matters

The Kenmore Building has long been an eyesore in Binghamton's downtown, with bricks and debris frequently falling from the structure and posing a public safety risk. The city's decision to force the owners to demolish the building reflects a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and address longstanding issues with neglected properties.

The details

The Kenmore Building was acquired in 2009 by an entity based in New Paltz for $57,000. At one point, the state was prepared to provide a $500,000 grant to help the owners renovate the building and create 26 modern studio apartments, but the project was ultimately scrapped. In recent years, bricks and other debris have been falling from the dilapidated structure, and people have continued to enter the building despite a temporary construction fence around the perimeter. The city has now put the property owners, Kevin Findley of Binghamton and Philip Costa of Wallkill, on notice that the building must be demolished as soon as possible or the city will do it and send them the bill, which is estimated to cost around $100,000.

  • The Kenmore Building was constructed around 1890.
  • The building was acquired in 2009 by an entity based in New Paltz for $57,000.
  • In recent years, bricks and other debris have been falling from the dilapidated structure.
  • On April 10, 2026, Mayor Jared Kraham ordered the owners to demolish the building "as soon as possible".

The players

Jared Kraham

The mayor of Binghamton who has ordered the owners of the Kenmore Building to demolish the structure.

Kevin Findley

One of the owners of the Kenmore Building, who was found guilty in Binghamton city court of several dozen code violations related to the property.

Philip Costa

The other owner of the Kenmore Building, who was also found guilty in Binghamton city court of several dozen code violations related to the property.

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What they’re saying

“Time's up for the owners of the structure at 263 Washington Street to tear it down soon or the city will demolish it and send them the bill.”

— Jared Kraham, Mayor of Binghamton

What’s next

If the owners of the Kenmore Building do not demolish the structure in the next few days, the city of Binghamton will move in with demolition crews to do the job and send the bill to the owners.

The takeaway

The city of Binghamton's decision to force the demolition of the long-neglected Kenmore Building reflects a broader effort to address blight and revitalize the downtown area. The case highlights the challenges municipalities face in dealing with abandoned or dilapidated properties that pose public safety risks, and the importance of holding property owners accountable.