$40M renovation converts iconic factory into Victory Lofts

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — The Endicott-Johnson Victory factory in Johnson City has new life following a $40 million project to renovate the facility.

The project is also referred to as Victory Lofts, marking “the transformation of this historic and iconic industrial building” that’s created 156 new market-rate lofts and commercial space. 

Those involved in the project on Nov. 30 formally opened the building at 59 Lester Ave. in Johnson City. The participating organizations in early March 2022 broke ground on the $40 million project to renovate the former Endicott-Johnson Victory shoe factory.

This rehabilitation project represents a “new beginning for the iconic industrial asset, improving the connection” between Binghamton University’s Health Sciences campus, UHS Wilson Medical Center, and the area north of Main Street in Johnson City.

Syracuse–based Paulus Development; Rochester–based LeChase Construction Services, LLC; the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC); and JP Morgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Paulus Development values the opportunity to historically preserve and revitalize one of the community’s great industrial assets remaining from the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company,” Matthew Paulus, founder & president of Paulus Development, said in a news release. “The successful redevelopment of the Victory Building exemplifies the economic opportunity in Broome County and the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Park. We value our relationship with this community and look forward to contributing towards its future while honoring its great past.”

Paulus Development also previously worked on the $25 million Ansco Lofts development in Binghamton, located at the site of the former Ansco Camera Factory.

Paulus Development and LeChase Construction Services worked to renovate the site, which had sat vacant for more than 40 years, “transformed the significant legacy site into an anchor for the community’s revitalization,” per the announcement.

VIP Architectural Associates of Syracuse handled the design work on the project, a media contact for the project tells CNYBJ in an email.

“I absolutely love to see Victory Lofts stand beautifully in the skyline,” Stacey Duncan, executive director of the Broome County IDA. “Paulus Development, with the support of LeChase, has put their heart and soul in this project and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued investment in support for the Broome Count economy. I’m so proud that the Agency could play a role in this remarkable makeover.”

Building history

The Endicott-Johnson Victory shoe factory was built in two stages in 1919 and 1920 for the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company, one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the world, responsible for nearly all the shoes and footwear for the U.S. Army during World War I and World War II. The Victory factory was named to celebrate and commemorate the U.S. victory in World War I. 

The 275,000-square-foot Victory shoe factory was designed and built by Thompson & Binger, Inc. of Syracuse and New York City.