Entry will be Used for Helen Foley Theatre Performances, Events
(BINGHAMTON, NY) – An entrance not used in nearly five decades is open once again at Binghamton High School. The Binghamton City School District cut a ribbon Monday to officially dedicate the renovated historic entryway on Main Street.
“Reopening these doors to our community allows us to honor our district’s past while also stepping into the future,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Tonia Thompson. “It allows us to bring back something that was not only beautiful but also evokes so many special memories for our community. At the same time, it allows everyone to get to know more about our school, as well as see and hear the amazing talents of our Binghamton Kids.”
Work included the installation 0f a new walkway and stairs leading to new oak doors, vintage lampposts along the walkway, brick pillars along the Main Street sidewalk, restoration of the clock on the building’s façade, and a pathway to guide visitors from the Front Street parking garage along the east side of the school to the original entrance. The lobby inside the entrance, which leads directly to the District Art Gallery and historic Helen Foley Theatre, was also renovated. The project was funded with the help of a historic rehabilitation grant secured by the school district and work was completed this summer.
The entrance allows direct, easy access for events at Binghamton High School. The doors will be open for performances inside the Helen Foley Theatre, installations in the District Art Gallery, and other special events. For the first time ever, the art gallery will be open for First Friday this week on November 6th. The entrance will not be used by students or visitors on a daily basis.
From 1915, when Binghamton Central High School opened, until 1982, when Binghamton Central and Binghamton North High School merged, Main Street was the main entrance for the school building. A new, separate entrance on Main Street and another entrance on Oak Street were used by students after the merger. The current main entrance on Oak Street was completed as part of a 2017 capital project at BHS.