Local 281 Members Restore a Part of Binghamton’s Past

Since June 2008, members of LU 281 have been working on the Historic Dwightsville Gateway Project. This area, located on Front Street and on Clinton Street, has seen better days over the years. The project will renovate older turn-of-the-century homes into apartments as well as a building that once housed a hotel and bank that will now become two retail spaces and apartment units. The general contractor handing the renovations, W.L. Kline, specializes in historical preservation work.

The buildings on Front Street were totally gutted with only the shell of the house remaining. On Clinton Street, the members had to save the tin ceiling, hardwood flooring and casework to reinstall in part of the building. It was at this location that in 1930, Andrew J. Horvatt, owner of the State Bank of Binghamton, looted more than $2 million from the bank and was on the run for a year. Mr. Horvatt also ran a speakeasy during Prohibition at this location.

This project has a few significant characteristics; it is the site where several apprentices have started their training and are now getting the experience of a lifetime. In addition, when completed this summer, the Dwightsville Gateway area will treat visitors to a showcase of turn-of-the century architecture in downtown Binghamton rather than the current apparition of run-down homes.

Successfully generating positive comment and goodwill from the community, LU 281 strategically placed signs at each location that read, “This job being built by members of Carpenters Local 281.”