Former Binghamton Supermarket Being Converted Into Events Center

A building that originally served as a Binghamton neighborhood grocery store is being turned into a banquet venue that could accommodate hundreds of people.

The 8,000-square-foot structure at 136 Park Avenue on the South Side opened as a Harris Foodlines supermarket in 1965. The building later was used as a Knights of Columbus dance hall.

The property was acquired by Parks Partners Properties LLC for $150,000 in January 2021. The new events center will be known as Celebrations on Park.

Remodeling work at the site, which is located across the street from Nips Park Avenue Saloon, has been underway for several months.

People familiar with the project say it's being overseen by former Binghamton city councilman Lou Sepe Jr., who operates a Servpro cleanup and restoration franchise. Sepe could not be reached to discuss the new venture.

An online posting for Celebrations on Park indicated the business was seeking a general manager "to assist with the opening and general management" of the facility.

The job advertisement indicated the venue would be available "for organizations to host meetings, banquets, birthdays, showers, weddings, and other events."

The listing also noted the business would have "state-of-the-art technology complete with audio-visual equipment as well as a top-of-the-line kitchen." It said Celebrations on Park would be able to "hold up to 400 guests with parking."

A parking lot is located on the west side of the building near Brook Avenue.

Those familiar with the renovation process say the work is nearing completion but they did not know when the venue would open.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.