The Binghamton University Downtown Center ‘ which Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan predicted would be ‘a catalyst for economic growth in the area’ ‘ has had mixed results, business owners said.

The Center, which opened on Washington Street this semester, brought 775 students to its classrooms and to surrounding sidewalks.

The store Magicka has had a small increase in sales, according to owner Robert Wandall.

‘Not huge, honestly, but some,’ he said. ‘But people are finding us more.’

Wandall said he noticed more student business at night because of the evening classes offered at the Center.

‘We might actually look at changing our hours because of it,’ Wandall said.

Sherry Eaton, owner of Garland Gallery, LLC., said she noticed more sidewalk traffic by her store and a jump in sales.

‘I’ve actually noticed a lot more people Downtown,’ said Sherry Eaton, owner of Garland Gallery, LLC. ‘I think people are starting to get comfortable [at the Center], which is a good thing.’

While some businesses reported some increased profits, one business has seen a decrease in sales since the Center opened.

‘A month ago we were making $3,500,’ Mike Brown, the manager of Quiznos on Court Street, said. ‘This month it slumped to $2,000.’

Recently there was some relief for Brown.

‘It’s starting to go back up a little,’ Brown said. ‘But not by much.’

But according to an official, the Center has been living up to its hype.

‘The City of Binghamton enjoys a good relationship with Binghamton University,’ said Merry A. Harris, the director of the Binghamton Economic Development Office. ‘I see the opening of the Downtown Center as just the beginning of many great opportunities for development partnerships between the city and the University.’

Harris said she believes the Downtown Center is having a positive effect and that the City of Binghamton has taken steps to further foster economic prosperity Downtown.

‘University students play an important role in the local economy, in particular in the sectors of entertainment, retail and housing,’ Harris said. ‘For entertainment, students are key in the success of bars and restaurants. Regarding retail, the students utilize small shops and larger department stores, like Boscov’s.’

During the first week of classes, the city and the Downtown Binghamton Business Association sponsored a welcome event in an effort to answer questions and offer information about Downtown businesses.

‘As students become more familiar and comfortable with the Downtown area, their impact will increase,’ Harris said.

The city also worked with a student-based company to create ‘Action Atlas’ maps that included the locations of shops and businesses, and organized ‘hot lunch’ tours with the DBBA that brought students to some area restaurants.

According to Harris, students who live off campus are also an important source of revenue.

‘In terms of housing, students are increasingly present in local residential communities,’ Harris added.

And the move toward more town-gown relations isn’t limited to Binghamton.

‘Nationally, there seems to be a trend toward more integration of university and community, as integration benefits both sides,’ Harris said. ‘In addition to student buying power, the city can enjoy having a stimulating, diverse and energetic university population participating in the larger community; our office has worked with several student founded companies, a collaboration that is very promising for the local economy.’

But according to Harris, it may be too early to determine students’ consumption patterns.

‘It may take some time for students and store owners to connect on what sells,’ Harris said. ‘But the potential is tremendous.’