BINGHAMTON — The Water Street parking garage in downtown Binghamton is now fully open to drivers. The first floor opened to the public back in November, providing about 40 parking spaces ahead of the holiday-shopping season as work on the garage continued. Construction of the $25 million Water Street parking ramp began in the spring […]
BINGHAMTON — The Water Street parking garage in downtown Binghamton is now fully open to drivers.
The first floor opened to the public back in November, providing about 40 parking spaces ahead of the holiday-shopping season as work on the garage continued. Construction of the $25 million Water Street parking ramp began in the spring of 2024.
Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham on March 19 joined members of the downtown business community and construction officials to formally open the new 500-space parking garage at 183 Water St., according to an announcement on the City of Binghamton’s website.
Located at the corner of Water and Henry Streets, the five-story parking ramp adjoins the Boscov’s department store. It replaces a 52-year-old parking garage the city demolished in 2022 following years of structural concerns.
“This new parking garage is transforming a busy commercial corridor in downtown Binghamton and delivering the much-needed safe, convenient parking that residents and small businesses deserve,” Kraham said in Binghamton’s announcement. “It’s a major investment in our City’s infrastructure that supports the continued revitalization and economic growth of downtown. My thanks to our construction partners on this project, who worked side-by-side with City Hall to make this possible, and to the hardworking members of the downtown business community, who are helping drive the progress of the last several years.”
About 60 of the spaces in the new garage will be reserved short-term parking spots for retail and restaurant patrons to support downtown businesses. The remainder will be available for monthly, overnight, and overflow retail parking.
William H. Lane, Inc. of Binghamton served as the general contractor on the project. Unistress Corporation, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, performed the precast concrete assembly.
“We are thrilled to see the opening of the upper levels of the new Water Street parking ramp,” Marie McKenna, owner of Lost Dog Cafe, said in the city’s announcement. “The parking shortage has been a challenge since the old ramp closed.”
John Hanrahan, owner of Nirchi’s Pizza on Water Street, added, “I have already seen a noticeable improvement in parking availability and traffic congestion with just the first floor open, and the opening of the remainder of the ramp will only make things even easier for people coming downtown. I’d like to personally thank the city for addressing the need for parking in downtown Binghamton, the construction crews involved in the project, and especially my customers for their continued patronage throughout the process of the ramp being built.”
All city-owned garages and lots, including the new Water Street garage, offer validation options for local businesses, and monthly passes for employees and residents. Those interested can contact Binghamton@lazparking.com for additional information on setting up a business account or purchasing a monthly pass.
