Eatery Planned at Johnson City's Riverside Gardens Community

The transformation of the former Davis College campus in Johnson City is continuing as the first residents are moving into the newly-opened Riverside Gardens complex.

Developer David Drew of Vestal said the 75-unit apartment complex is open and leasing is underway. He said the first resident arrived just before the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

WATCH AND LISTEN: A WNBF News video and a radio interview with the developer at the end of this article.

One of the buildings at Riverside Gardens in Johnson City on July 9, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Planning for the $15.5 million project started in early 2024 and the 16-acre site was acquired in April 2025.

During a WNBF News interview, Drew said the work came in on time and it didn't go over budget.

The main entrance to Riverside Gardens in Johnson City on July 9, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

One part of the transformation that has yet to be completed is the development of a casual dining establishment in the spot formerly occupied by the Broadway Café.

Drew said the place will be called Forge Kitchen and Bar. He said he's partnering with Matt Karlgut, a former executive chef at Binghamton-area residents. It's expected to open by late summer or early fall.

FLASHBACK: A view of the interior of one of the Riverside Gardens units before appliances had been installed in April 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Drew said the goal was to redevelop the café space in a way that was an appropriate fit for the nearby neighborhood as well as for those who will be living at Riverside Gardens.

A woman who was touring one of the Riverside Gardens buildings Thursday afternoon said she is looking forward to living there. She said she is planning to move in August 1.

Various floor plans are available with studio apartments along with units featuring one to three bedrooms. More information about leasing options is available at the Riverside Gardens website.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A brief walk around the Riverside Gardens property in Johnson City on July 9, 2026.

LISTEN: Dave Drew discussed the Riverside Gardens project during a WNBF Radio interview on July 9, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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