Construction begins on downtown Binghamton arts district
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The City of Binghamton is launching the second phase of its effort to revitalize its downtown arts district.
On Tuesday, construction crews began streetscape work at the intersection of Washington and Henry Streets.
Both streets will receive comprehensive infrastructure improvements, including new underground utilities, curbs, sidewalks, and paving. There will also be new pedestrian and traffic signals and decorative streetlights. Sidewalks will be widened for outdoor dining in the neighborhood's restaurants, and there will be a raised crossing in front of the Forum Theater to improve pedestrian safety.
The upgrades will be similar to those made to nearby State Street during Phase 1.
Mayor Jared Kraham says the Art District is a popular place for both residents and out-of-town visitors coming to see a show at the Forum or eat at a popular restaurant.
'We want them to park once, go to a show, go to an art gallery, and visit all of our fantastic downtown restaurants and businesses, and really build an arts district, like you'd see in bigger cities. We want it to be beautiful, we want it to be walkable,' said Kraham.
Kraham says the majority of the work will be finished by the end of the construction season, except for a finish layer on the pavement and landscaping, which will be completed next spring.
Businesses in the area will remain open throughout the process.
Vacri Construction is doing the $5 million project, $1 million of which is coming from the Greater Binghamton Fund.
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