News
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Wed 10/11/06
| Contact: | Susan
Holland, Executive Director Erin Tobin, Director of Preservation Services 518-465-0876 |
Historic Albany
Foundation Proposes Mix of Rehabilitation, New
Construction at Wellington Row
Plans Incorporate Existing Architecture into New Office Tower
<>Plans Incorporate Existing Architecture into New Office Tower
In response to Columbia Development Companies proposed development of State Street’s Wellington Row, Historic Albany Foundation (HAF) today released a redevelopment plan that would substantially rehabilitate the five historic buildings and incorporate them into the new commercial office plan Columbia envisions for the row.
Unlike Columbia’s design plan, which would require demolition of the two historic easternmost buildings, HAF’s two alternative designs propose to rehabilitate and reuse the majority of all buildings in the row, and does so within the parameters of Columbia’s plans for using the space. Also unlike Columbia’s plan, HAF’s proposal, which was forwarded to Mayor Jennings last week, satisfies all local, state and national historic district regulations governing the site and keeps intact the buildings’ unique architectural qualities. “Our proposal capitalizes on Albany’s history while developing a plan for the future,” said HAF Executive Director Susan Holland. “Columbia clearly recognizes the potential of bringing this vital space back to life. We look forward to working with the company on this tremendous opportunity to translate our important architectural heritage into an economic development driver.”
HAF’s conceptual designs focus on retaining most of the existing buildings while accommodating a new office tower. The resulting u-shaped plan allows for the construction of a 210,000 to 250,000 square foot office tower while at the same time retaining all but the later rear wings of the two modified 1819 townhouses at 132 and 134 State Street, as well as the Wellington Hotel and Elk’s Lodge. The designs reflect an effort to incorporate viable portions of each structure.
Columbia’s draft plan calls for complete demolition of 132 and 134 State Street while retaining limited portions of the three facades at 136, 138 and 140 State Street (the Wellington Hotel, Elks Lodge and Berkshire Hotel, respectively).
HAF’s proposal states that the development should save substantial historic fabric of each building, noting that the entire row is within a State and National Register historic district. Prominent local and nationally-recognized architects, such as James Dakin, Albert Fuller, and M.L. and H.G. Emery, were involved in the designs of at least three of the five buildings of Wellington Row.
“Each building within Wellington Row is architecturally and historically significant in its own right, said Erin Tobin, HAF’s Director of Preservation Services. “The development plan should make use of these irreplaceable resources to create a unique, vibrant gateway to downtown Albany.”
Wellington Row has been widely recognized as a significant site worthy of preservation. The Preservation League of New York State has listed the row on Seven to Save, its annual list of threatened sites across the state.
HAF’s proposal emphasizes the importance of sound long-term planning in the eventual redevelopment of Wellington Row, noting that ground-level retail needs to be maximized in order to bring new life to the block. Columbia has indicated a willingness to incorporate retail space in its design.
Holland noted that downtown development should be carried out with an eye to future convention center business. “We need to be thinking about how best to leverage our assets as tourist destination,” she said. “That’s why we look forward to working closely with City officials and Columbia to develop a project that will attract residents and visitors alike.”
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| Historic Albany Foundation 472 Madison Avenue Albany, NY 12208 Phone: 518/465-0876 Fax: 518/463-2704 www.historic-albany.org |
Architectural
Parts Warehouse 89 Lexington Avenue Albany, NY 12206 Phone: 518/465-2987 |