The old Steuben County Courthouse in Corning, a historic building later used as a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, was sold in the 2023 Steuben County Real Property Tax Auction on Wednesday. The property, which received 200 bids primarily driven by two participants, was bought for $142,500 – a figure exceeding expectations. However, the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed until the County receives payment and the sale is approved by the Steuben County Legislature, expected on July 24.
Officials said if the highest bidder fails to submit the payment, the property would go to the second-highest bidder.
Historically, the building housed the county courthouse since the early 1900s and later served as a DMV office until a year ago. Its upper floor, still maintaining the old courtrooms in great condition, was closed in the mid-1980s when the county consolidated all courtrooms to Bath. The building’s sale follows the path of the Hornell Courthouse, which was sold in late 2018 and now hosts various services after housing several small businesses.
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