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Seven to Save
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George
Harvey Justice Building
Designed by Binghamton architect Walter Whitlock, the 1939 building has been called a “New Deal version of classical Federal design with Art Deco detailing.” The Justice Building stands in the center of a complex of local and state government buildings in downtown Binghamton, and is an important visual component of the Court Street Historic District (designated 1984) surrounding the 1898 Broome County Courthouse. In the 1990s, Broome County, faced with crowded and dilapidated conditions at the Justice Building, constructed the new Broome County Family and Courts Building on an adjacent parcel. In 2001, as a cost-cutting measure, the county shut off the utilities, leading to further deterioration. “In many communities across New York State, the reduction of municipal services has resulted in public buildings facing vacancy and eventual demolition,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of New York State. “This Seven to Save listing is a reminder that similar structures have been saved through thoughtful reuse and management plans that involved a broad array of public and private stakeholders. With new uses that truly serve the needs of the community, the George Harvey Justice Building is more likely to be adequately maintained and serve as a resource for future generations.” The George Harvey Justice Building was originally called the Broome County Office Building. It was renamed in 1988 to honor the head custodian of buildings and grounds of the courthouse square. George Harvey served 56 years in that position with only ½ day of sick leave, and never took a vacation. Mr. Harvey continued to work for the County until 1996. “The future of the Harvey Justice Building is at a crossroads,” said John Lewis of the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier. “If we can’t stabilize and begin renovation in the near future, the opportunity may be lost forever. Statewide recognition of the importance of this building, through its designation as one of the New York’s Seven to Save can be the critical factor in moving this project forward.” Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala’s vision of a “justice hub” in downtown Binghamton could tip the scales in favor of preserving the city’s endangered architecture. “The renovation of the George Harvey Justice Building to house the offices of the District Attorney, Public Defender and Probation Department would serve two important purposes,” said Fiala. “It would return a neglected building to active use, and the centralization of services would result in more than a half-million dollars in savings for county and local taxpayers each year.” According to Tania Werbizky, Director of Technical and Grant Programs for the Preservation League, the listing furthers the League’s work on the issue of abandonment, use and reuse of municipally owned landmarks. “It relates directly to three other county courthouse and jail preservation efforts receiving League assistance in Herkimer, Seneca and Washington counties,” said Werbizky. “By fostering communication among local advocates for these properties, we are strengthening a network of like-minded stakeholders, and identifying practices which may benefit other communities.” Since 1999, publicity surrounding the Seven to Save designation has led to the stabilization of St. Joseph’s Church in Albany; the rehabilitation of the Oswego City Public Library, the adaptive re-use of the former Niagara Falls High School as a cultural and arts center, and prevented the demolition of the Conger Goodyear House on Long Island. The Preservation League of New York State, founded in 1974, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection of New York’s diverse and rich heritage of historic buildings, districts and landscapes. From its headquarters in Albany, it provides a unified voice for historic preservation. By leading a statewide movement and sharing information and expertise, the Preservation League of New York State promotes historic preservation as a tool to revitalize the Empire State’s neighborhoods and communities. ###
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 last revised March 25, 2002 Preservation League of New York State |
