Actual construction activity on a long-delayed Salvation Army facility on Binghamton's North Side could begin in the next few weeks.

The foundation for a future Salvation Army complex on Binghamton's North Side could be in place before winter. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The foundation for a future Salvation Army complex on Binghamton's North Side could be in place before winter. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Although a groundbreaking ceremony for the $5.6 million project was held in April, work on the 30,000-square-foot building has yet to start.

Laura Hamilton, capital campaign director for the Salvation Army Empire State Division, on Monday said she hopes construction can get underway by the end of this month.

The Salvation Army purchased the property at 530 State Street for $100,000 in 2011. It had been occupied by a bowling alley. The city of Binghamton demolished the old building to clear the site for the new project.

The state is providing $1.7 million for the facility. Hamilton said Salvation Army officials last week gave final approval to move forward with the project.

Construction for the complex is expected to take about 18 months to complete, meaning the new facility now is expected to open in the spring of 2019.

The State Street community center will replace the Salvation Army's existing operation on Washington Street in downtown Binghamton. Proceeds from the eventual sale of that property will be used to help pay for the new project.

A community garden plot has been available at the new Salvation Army property for the past two summers. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A community garden plot has been available at the new Salvation Army property for the past two summers. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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