Work begins to renovate the former Endicott-Johnson “Victory” shoe factory in Johnson City

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Participating organizations on Thursday broke ground on a $40 million project to renovate the former Endicott-Johnson “Victory” shoe factory in Johnson City.

The work on this “historic and iconic” industrial building will create 156 new market-rate lofts and new commercial space, Syracuse–based Paulus Development said in a news release about the project.

Besides Paulus Development, Rochester–based LeChase Construction Services, the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) are also involved in the project.

“We believe the redevelopment of the Endicott-Johnson ‘Victory’ factory will further illuminate the tremendous economic investment and economic opportunities available within the Southern Tier Health Sciences and Technology Park,” Matthew Paulus, president of Paulus Development, said.

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

“As a nonprofit finance company, CPC is focused on investing in housing projects that make an impact in communities. The Victory building and other projects we’ve partnered on with Paulus Development help bring housing, economic opportunity, people and pride back to communities,” Nicholas Petragnani, Jr., senior VP at CPC, said. “Redeveloping our old legacy buildings helps expand high quality housing in communities, connects our cities with their historic pasts, and acts as a catalyst that draws new opportunity and new investment to the Southern Tier.

Those attending the Thursday event included Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar.

In addition, Daniel Reynolds, chairman of the Broome County Legislature, Stacey Duncan, executive director of the Broome County Industrial Development Agency, Harris Weiss, communications director from the office of New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D–Binghamton), and other partners and project supporters also were there.

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.

Paulus Development and LeChase Construction Services will work to renovate the site, which had sat vacant for more than 40 years, “into an anchor for the community’s revitalization,” per the release.