Commercial Real Estate in Endicott, NY: Local Trends and Hotspots

[James Lucenti]

Endicott, New York, located in the heart of the Southern Tier, is a village with deep industrial roots and a renewed focus on economic development. Once a powerhouse of American manufacturing, Endicott is now witnessing a resurgence fueled by innovation in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and revitalized urban spaces.

A Legacy of Innovation

In the early 20th century, Endicott gained national recognition through two major employers: IBM, originally known as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, and the Endicott Johnson Corporation, a dominant force in the shoe manufacturing industry. At its peak, Endicott Johnson employed around 20,000 workers and helped define the village’s economic and social structure. IBM, meanwhile, laid the foundation for a culture of technological progress that continues to influence the area.

These legacies created a foundation for community growth, infrastructure, and skilled labor—factors that are once again proving beneficial as new industries move in.

Revitalization of Washington Avenue

Washington Avenue, a central corridor in the village, is undergoing streetscape improvements and urban upgrades. New mixed-use developments and increased investment have begun to restore this historic district as a focal point for business, commerce, and community activity. This revitalization is expected to improve property values and enhance the area’s appeal for both residents and commercial stakeholders.

Key Developments Driving Growth

Recent and ongoing projects across Endicott signal a shift toward clean energy and high-tech manufacturing:

• Ubiquity Solar Inc.
  The Canadian solar manufacturer is investing $61 million to transform 800,000 square feet at the former IBM Huron Campus. The project is expected to generate up to 150 new jobs and will focus on high-efficiency photovoltaic production.

• Imperium3 New York (iM3NY)
  iM3NY has begun operations at North America’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Endicott. The facility spans 100,000 square feet and is part of broader efforts to position the Southern Tier as a leader in battery technology. A $700 million loan application to expand the plant further reflects confidence in the region’s clean energy sector.

• BAE Systems Expansion
  With a $65 million investment, BAE Systems is enhancing its battery innovation initiatives in the region. This expansion will further contribute to the Southern Tier’s growing clean-energy and defense technology ecosystem.

• Solar Energy Projects
  A proposed $8 million, 5-megawatt solar array northwest of Endicott is in development, which would add renewable energy capacity and support long-term sustainability objectives.

• IBM Campus Demolition and Redevelopment
  In late 2024, demolition began on 600,000 square feet of the former IBM campus. Backed by $6 million in state funding and $2 million from Broome County relief funds, the cleared site will be used for future industrial or manufacturing facilities. Notably, this process revealed the historic Bundy Manufacturing Company building, an early chapter in IBM’s history. Adjacent structures, such as the former cafeteria and Clock Tower, are being considered for residential redevelopment, including new apartment units.

Conclusion

Endicott’s commercial real estate landscape is evolving. With infrastructure improvements, strategic clean-energy projects, and renewed focus on innovation, the village is becoming a center for forward-looking development in upstate New York. Blending industrial heritage with modern progress, Endicott offers a compelling case study in economic transition and regional revitalization.