The Chenango Point/Binghamton Mall site is located on the northeast side of the confluence
of the
Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. The project block developed as a Euro-American residential
area in the early 19 century. By the late 19 century and early 20 century, the block
was becoming increasingly commercial and industrial. The last remaining houses were
cleared during Urban Renewal in the 1960s and 1970s and most of the block paved for
parking. The Association for Visual Rehabilitation and Employment (AVRE) building
remained on the south end of the block.
When Binghamton University proposed an academic building near the confluence in the City of Binghamton's urban core, archaeological investigations by the Public Archaeology Facility (PAF) uncovered traces of these past communities, making them visible once again. PAF completed data recovery excavations, research, analysis, and community outreach initiatives that have made significant contributions to knowledge, and have provided a tangible public benefit.
