Ellis Brothers Moving Forward On New Store

After an extended delay, Ellis Brothers Furniture now is prepared to resume a project to open a new store in downtown Binghamton.

The family-owned business thirteen months ago unveiled plans to renovate a former department store building at the corner of Court and Hawley streets.

A rendering of the new Ellis Brothers Furniture store planned for downtown Binghamton. (Roger Neel/WNBF News)[/caption]

The new store was expected to open this past summer. But the Ellis family put the project on hold in July because of disagreements with the city council. Democratic lawmakers had blocked a redevelopment plan on the Washington Street pedestrian mall that would have included several additional parking spaces.

Co-owner Richard Ellis told WNBF News Thursday that the family now has decided to go forward with the development of the new store.

Ellis said prior to the November election, the Democratic-controlled council would oppose "everything we asked for." Starting in January, Republicans will hold a one-seat majority on council.

Ellis said "we're elated to be staying downtown." He said the family had looked at other options outside Binghamton but has now decided to stay in the city.

Some adjustments will be made to the original store plans made public last year. But Ellis said the new 60,000 square foot site will be developed "pretty much" as previously announced.

The new store is expected to have an expanded gift department and an adolescent furniture department.

Ellis said he believes the store should be able to open next summer.

The Ellis Brothers Contemporary Furniture building on Water Street was destroyed by a fire in April 2014.

The store operated at a temporary site as part of the MetroCenter complex on Court Street for several months. But that site had to be vacated last July.

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