(Town of Union, NY) – A long-time symbol of the impact of big industry in Broome County and the Southern Tier is going the way of a wrecking ball and with it countless memories of the thousands who enjoyed the benefits of the former IBM Country Club.
“Today (Thursday) marks the beginning of a new chapter for a place that has sadly become one of Broome County’s biggest eyesores. Thousands of families in our community have fond memories of the former IBM Country Club and with the work that is about to start here this will once again be a place we can be proud of,” county Executive, Jason Garner.
LeChase Construction, Delta Engineers and Gorick Construction will oversee the demolition of the buildings, which is is expected to take eight-to-ten weeks and will make ready the site for a new affordable housing project by Conifer / LeChase.
“While we greatly value the history of the former IBM Country Club, it is time to create a new future at this site,” said Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance which includes The Agency.
As part of the year-long process to receive the necessary state approvals, The Agency and LeChase identified opportunities to preserve as many artifacts as possible from the former country club. Several items were salvaged and donated to the Endicott Heritage Museum. The Agency and LeChase will work with Broome County and the Town of Union to offer a “get a brick” day for community members who would like to keep a piece of the historic Crocker Homestead.
“For many years, the IBM Country Club was a place where families could gather and where longtime friendships were formed. Many of us made memories there that we will carry throughout our lifetimes,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman Dan J. Reynolds. “Unfortunately, flooding and years of neglect decimated the facility and it became dilapidated, dangerous and one of the worst eyesores in Broome County.”
