Tioga County, New York, authorizes $1.8 million office building project
OWEGO, NEW YORK – Tioga County has moved forward with a major long-term plan to replace its deteriorating county office building, approving the purchase of four key parcels in downtown Owego for just over $1.8 million. The acquisition includes the former Walgreens building on Main Street, an adjacent large parking lot, and the properties spanning 55–67 Central Avenue. County officials say the decision follows an extensive evaluation of the site’s structural condition, market value, and ability to accommodate all departments currently housed at 56 Main Street—a former school building that has suffered from years of decline. According to Legislature Chairwoman Marte Sauerbrey, the county has been forced to continually address failing infrastructure inside the old building, including aging HVAC systems, a boiler nearing the end of its life, and ongoing structural and security concerns. She emphasized that the aging facility has become increasingly costly for taxpayers and difficult to secure, especially for high-traffic offices such as the DMV.
All existing offices at 56 Main are expected to relocate once the new complex is constructed. The county has been building reserves for the project and recently secured a $1 million New York State grant to assist with site preparation. After the real estate purchase is finalized, Tioga County intends to maintain stability downtown by leasing space at the newly acquired properties to current tenants—the Wine Connection, Hiawatha Dental, and Family and Children Counseling Services—until full construction work is ready to begin. As for the old school building at 56 Main, officials hope a private developer will acquire the property and convert it into market-rate apartments, giving the aging structure a new purpose while supporting local housing and revitalization goals.
