Governor Hochul Announces Demolition of Central Warehouse, A Symbol of Blight in Albany

Strategic Insights -

The Central Warehouse, a 11-story building in Albany, has long been an eyesore and a symbol of economic decline in the city. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the beginning of the demolition of the warehouse, with a $11.6 million state funding allocated for the project. The demolition is expected to generate approximately 90,000 tons of clean concrete that will be sent offsite for beneficial reuse/recycling, diverting waste from the landfill. The project is part of the Championing Albany's Potential (CAP) Initiative, a $400 million state investment to revitalize Albany's downtown core.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Central Warehouse has been an eyesore and a symbol of blight in Albany for decades, discouraging investments and economic growth in the community.
  • The demolition of the warehouse is part of the Championing Albany's Potential (CAP) Initiative, a $400 million state investment to revitalize Albany's downtown core.
  • The project will generate approximately 90,000 tons of clean concrete that will be sent offsite for beneficial reuse/recycling, diverting waste from the landfill.
  • The demolition will create a 1.1-acre investment-ready site in a growing area of the City of Albany.
  • The CAP initiative also includes $200 million in funding to plan and implement projects that reinvigorate commercial corridors, strengthen small businesses, promote housing growth, and revitalize underutilized real estate and open spaces.
  • The project complements Governor Hochul's Championing Albany's Potential (CAP) Initiative, a collaborative, state-led effort to revitalize Albany's downtown core in partnership with the local community.
  • The Central Warehouse's demolition will not only eliminate blight, unused spaces, but it'll allow for new opportunities to bolster the community and uplift economic growth.
  • Governor Hochul has kicked off the CAP Initiative's first Downtown Albany Strategy public workshop, which drew over 700 participants, including Albany residents and partners from business, academia, and government.
  • Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "For years, Central Warehouse has loomed over the Capital City skyline in disrepair, and the demolition of this longstanding blighted building represents a new era for Downtown Albany."
  • Senator Patricia Fahy said, "Removing Albany's 'biggest eyesore' with the demolition of the Central Warehouse is a long-awaited step in the development of Downtown Albany."
  • Senator Charles Schumer said, "Albany's most notorious eyesore is finally coming down. The concrete walls of the Central Warehouse have been a scar on Albany's skyline for decades, and today the long-awaited demolition finally begins."

Statistics:

  • The demolition of the Central Warehouse is expected to generate approximately 90,000 tons of clean concrete.
  • The project has a budget of $11.6 million, funded by the state.
  • The Championing Albany's Potential (CAP) Initiative has a budget of $400 million.
  • The project will create a 1.1-acre investment-ready site in a growing area of the City of Albany.
  • The CAP initiative includes $200 million in funding to plan and implement projects that reinvigorate commercial corridors, strengthen small businesses, promote housing growth, and revitalize underutilized real estate and open spaces.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul (State of New York, 2023)
  • Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy (Albany County, 2023)
  • Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight (Empire State Development, 2023)
  • State Senator Patricia Fahy (State of New York, 2023)
  • Senator Charles Schumer (U.S. Senate, 2023)
  • Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh (New York State Assembly, 2023)
  • Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero (New York State Assembly, 2023)
  • Governor's Press Office (State of New York, 2023)