Governor Hochul and County Executive McCoy Announce Final Demolition Phases Begin on Albany's Central Warehouse
Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today announced that the final phases of demolition are underway on Central Warehouse, a long-vacant, decaying 11-story concrete structure prominently located alongside I-787 at the entrance to Downtown Albany. While significant attempts have been made to rehabilitate the building, it became clear that demolition was the only viable option. Asbestos abatement at the site is complete, with more than 4,500 tons of asbestos and contaminated material removed. Over the coming months, crews will remove the connecting rail bridge, install scaffolding on the building's south side, and complete full demolition of the structure. The project will create a 1.1-acre investment-ready site in a growing area of the City of Albany.
“Albany is more than just the State Capital — it is a place where people live and visitors come to experience the rich history and culture that the city has to offer,” Governor Hochul said. “Knocking down the Central Warehouse is the only thing holding Albany back from its full potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this area is turned into once the demolition is finally complete.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Removing this old rail connection is one of the last major hurdles standing between us and actually starting the demolition of the Central Warehouse. Once it’s gone, we can begin tearing down the building piece by piece and finally see the progress we’ve been working toward for years. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her partnership and support as we remove this building from the Albany skyline. Thank you to our other dedicated partners, Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, for their help in securing the permits and approvals necessary to get us to this point. This has been a complicated project from day one, particularly because the building sits directly adjacent to active rail lines. It has required extensive planning and coordination to make sure the work is done safely and responsibly. Each milestone brings us closer to removing the Central Warehouse from Albany’s skyline once and for all, and this is a big one. The end is finally in sight.”
Starting Monday, September 21, crews will begin dismantling the rail bridge that connects Central Warehouse to the Amtrak rail spur. Over the course of a week, crews will work from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. to remove materials, cut the steel tracks and remove the girders. Road closures and detours are expected in the immediate area.
Following the removal of the rail bridge, crews will begin installing scaffolding on the south side of Central Warehouse. That process is expected to take two months, after which point, in December, crews can begin to remove pieces of the building. Due to the building's proximity to active Amtrak rail lines, crews must strategically tear down pieces of the structure. Crews are expected to work through the winter.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, and in partnership with Albany County, the Central Warehouse is finally coming down and will create new opportunities for growth and development. Coupled with the Governor's historic investment in Downtown Albany, we are seeing tangible progress that will promote and encourage smart, sustainable and strategic investments that generate dividends for generations.”
The demolition of Central Warehouse complements the $400 million Championing Albany's Potential (CAP) initiative, Governor Hochul's strategic vision to reimagine and revitalize Downtown Albany. This month, the Governor announced ten projects that were awarded nearly $19 million in CAP funding to create new housing, promote historic preservation, and generate lasting energy and economic growth. An additional $20 million in funding was dedicated to support streetscape upgrades and $1 million for small business improvements. As part of this announcement, the Reconnect the Empire State Plaza Report was released, designed to serve as a blueprint for investments that break down barriers between the Plaza and its surrounding community.
The Governor also announced that the redevelopment of the Liberty Park district, a long-blighted and underutilized section in Downtown Albany, will be led by Columbia Development and Galesi Group. Capitalize Albany, the City's economic development organization, chose a proposal that envisions three phases consisting of new office space, housing, programmable creative space, experiential retail and parking, and unified by converting an existing street into a pedestrian walkway connected to community green space. The selected development team will work with Capitalize Albany and New York State over the coming months to finalize the terms of the project.
State Senator Patricia Fahy said, “Finally removing Albany's ‘biggest eyesore’ with the demolition of the Central Warehouse goes hand in hand with the redevelopment of Downtown Albany and the $400M Championing Albany's Potential initiative. As we drive the rebirth of Downtown Albany, removing this monstrosity will change the face of the City of Albany and our Capital Region. This development, along with the ongoing Reimagine 787 initiative, the Reconnecting the Empire State Plaza plan, and critical updates to the New York State Museum will only begin to unleash Downtown's economic potential. Across the street, the unearthing of Lock One of the Erie Canal has begun to give us a glimpse into our past, and as we tear down Central Warehouse, it will hopefully give the Capital Region a palpable sense of optimism for our future. I commend Governor Hochul for her continued leadership on this project and partnership.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, “Central Warehouse has been a longstanding eyesore in Albany, and seeing this project move forward represents an important step toward creating a new future for this site. The completion of asbestos abatement and the demolition of the structure will remove a significant obstacle and create an investment ready property with the potential to support future economic development. I appreciate Governor Hochul, Albany County Executive McCoy, and all those involved for their continued efforts to move this project forward and for their commitment to revitalizing Downtown Albany.”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said,“The demolition of the vacant warehouse is a positive step towards creating new opportunities for the surrounding communities. The building has been an eyesore in the neighborhood and has presented some serious health concerns due to its age, condition, and cleanliness. I appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul's interest in supporting the city of Albany and investing in revitalizing this space. While I recognize there is still more work to be done, and unique challenges in place, we are one step closer to making Albany a more vibrant, renewed, and safer city.”
City of Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs said, “For too long, the Central Warehouse has been an example of vacant, underutilized space on our Capital City's skyline. The final phases of this demolition being underway symbolizes that Albany is moving forward. Our city is open for investment and we are removing barriers, allowing us to attract more residents, visitors, and small businesses to invest in our Downtown. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight, and County Executive Daniel P. McCoy for their continued focus on this complicated project, prioritizing safety for our workers and residents. As a result of their dedication, we are finally nearing the end of this important project.”
Advance Albany County Alliance CEO Kevin O’Connor said, “The removal of the former rail connection represents another important step forward in what is an extraordinarily complex demolition project. Work this close to an active passenger rail corridor requires careful coordination among our contractors, Amtrak and our project partners, and we appreciate everyone who has helped us reach this point. Most importantly, this is visible progress toward our ultimate goal: safely removing Central Warehouse and clearing the way for the future redevelopment of this important property. I would like to thank Governor Hochul and County Executive McCoy for their commitment to this project. Removing this longstanding obstacle will create new opportunities for investment, jobs and economic activity in a part of Albany that is well positioned for growth.”
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