Stone Opera House preservation takes leap forward
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Nearly 120 years old and still standing, but just barely. That's the story of the Stone Opera House in Binghamton.
The New York State Preservation League has added the house to its seven buildings to save, helping add publicity and statewide support to the cause.
Once home to legendary performances, the building was abandoned in the 70s, but bringing it back to life could have what some call a "multiplier effect."
"The beauty of these old buildings is that they're usually in very dense areas. And if they're restored, it has an impact on adjacent buildings. If you invest in one and people invest in others. So it's an excellent form of economic development and revitalization," said Jay DiLorenzo, Preservation League of New York State President.
Stabilization work on the roof has already begun. It's still unclear how lengthy and how costly a full restoration would be.