Preservation Advocacy

Historic Albany Foundation continues to be an unwavering champion of 'best practices' in preserving historical structures and of protecting endangered buildings within our community.

• Historic Albany Foundation created a list of Albany's Endangered Historic Resources.  Most recently released in December, 2005, this list dictates a great deal of our advocacy initiatives.  Historic Albany Foundation works with preservation and community partners to find reuse and rehabilitation opportunities for these and other endangered resources.
• Successes include the stabilization of buildings in Center Square, Hudson/Park and The Pastures, the Hinckel Brewery (now apartment housing), 96 Madison Avenue (a former governor's mansion), as well as facade improvements on Lark, State, and North Pearl Streets. 
  
• In 2000, Historic Albany Foundation stopped the demolition of the facade at 41 Ten Broeck Street in Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood, taking title to the  property and stabilizing the remaining 3 stories of the 157-year-old facade.  Unfortunately, the structure behind the facade was demolished, but Historic Albany is searching for a buyer to restore the building and return it as a functioning part of the vibrant Ten Broeck Triangle district.

Historic Albany Foundation's Preservation Workshops focus on preservation techniques and architectural history, while its Preservation Library provides information on regional history, historic building restoration, and architectural styles.  For our schedule of workshops and lectures, see our calendar page.

• Historic house and garden tours provide opportunities to view restored homes of historic and architectural significance.
• Historic Albany Foundation's Building Plaque Program identifies historic buildings and recognizes homeowners for their preservation efforts.
• Historic Albany Foundation staff can assist property owners who wish to research the history of their building.
  
• Lectures and special events sponsored by Historic Albany Foundation showcase Albany's heritage.  Publications affiliated with these events provide an opportunity to learn about different aspects of Albany's architectural history.

Technical Assistance

Property owners interested in restoring or rehabilitating residential or commercial buildings can receive such technical assistance as how to stabilize a structure or which paint color to select that is both historically significant and harmonious with the existing streetscape.

• As an information clearinghouse, Historic Albany Foundation has the knowledge and experience to recommend reputable craftsmen for specialized work as well as information on exterior restoration such as railings, windows, and doors.
• Historic Albany Foundation holds regular workshops, from hands-on window repair to informative sessions on architectural styles and old house ailments.
• Historic Albany Foundation can assist property owners in obtaining grants for restorative work and provides information on local, state, and federal grants for preservation and restoration of local historic structures.
• Technical Services staff can conduct home site visits on appointment, to provide an assessment of the property and offer technical advice on best practices for preserving historic buildings.
• In cases where there is no alternative to demolition, Historic Albany Foundation salvages reusable building parts that would otherwise be lost. The Architectural Parts Warehouse, located at 89 Lexington Avenue, is the oldest continuously operating not-for-profit architectural salvage business in the country, with 10,000 square feet filled with everything from bath tubs to door knobs, mantles and mouldings to stained glass, all at affordable prices.  Contact John Carson, Warehouse Manager, for information at 518-465-2987.