Mayor Kraham Announces Full Opening of Water Street Parking Garage
New 5-Story Garage Provides 500 Parking Spaces in Downtown Binghamton
(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Wednesday joined members of the downtown business community and construction officials to officially open the new 500-space parking garage at 183 Water Street.
Mayor Kraham said: "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. 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."
The first floor opened to the public in November, providing approximately 40 parking spots ahead of the holiday shopping season as work on the garage continued. Construction of the $25 million Water Street parking ramp began last spring.
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.
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, Massachussetts, performed the precast concrete assembly.
Marie McKenna, Owner of Lost Dog Cafe, said: "We are thrilled to see the opening of the upper levels of the new Water Street parking ramp. We are approaching our busy season with Spring Restaurant Week, Mother's Day and Binghamton University Graduation right around the corner. The parking shortage has been a challenge since the old ramp closed. We also appreciate the modern clean lines of the design."
John Hanrahan, Owner of Nirchi's Pizza on Water Street, said: "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. Please contact Binghamton@lazparking.com for additional information on setting up your business account or purchasing a monthly pass.
