A Peek Inside as Work Starts to Transform 'Number 5' Building

Construction workers are busy preparing a former Binghamton fire station that had been used as a restaurant for a new development called Number 5 Commons.

The brick building at the corner of the Vestal Parkway and South Washington Street was constructed in 1897. After the fire station was closed in the early 1970s, the place was home to the Number 5 restaurant for more than four decades.

The eatery officially closed its doors at the end of May. Many of the items inside the place were sold at auction.

Developer Brett Pritchard said the historic building now is being cleared out in preparation for new tenants.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Pritchard said work is being done to finalize designs for prospective tenants. An existing retailer is planning to relocate to the first floor of the old firehouse. Business offices are expected to be located on the second floor.

A house on Mary Street that had housed the restaurant offices is expected to be demolished later this month.

Pritchard said he hopes new construction on property east of the former fire station can get underway in a few weeks. A Mirabito convenience store and a Peoples Security Bank & Trust branch office will be located in the complex.

Inside the former Number 5 restaurant in Binghamton on August 7, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)