Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand revealed that the City of Albany will receive $1.5 million in funding from the omnibus funding package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to be used for the Albany City Hall Restoration & Renovation, Phase I and Phase II. The omnibus is expected to pass Congress and be signed into law this week.
The funding will be used to kick off the engineering, design, and permitting phase of the renovation, allowing the City of Albany to issue bids and collect detailed cost estimates from qualified firms. A preliminary existing condition study was already commissioned in order to understand which repairs are necessary for City Hall, and an architectural firm study has confirmed the urgency of carrying out roof repairs and exterior facade restoration.
“Albany’s historic City Hall is the beating heart of the Empire State’s capital dating all the way back to 1883, but weather and age have caused much of its exterior façade to deteriorate. That is why I am proud to announce that we have secured $1.5 million so the City of Albany can finally begin the renovation process for this iconic landmark,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will help breathe new life into this treasured piece of New York history, and ensure this pride and joy of Albany can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
“My hometown of Albany has a beautiful City Hall, but deferred maintenance has unfortunately led to visible deterioration in some areas of the building,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to have helped secure this funding, which will enable the City of Albany to begin the engineering and design phase of this critical renovation project. I am optimistic Albany’s City Hall will be restored to her former glory.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “In 1885, Albany City Hall was listed by American Architect and Building News as one of the ‘Best Ten Buildings in the United States.’ While it has housed our city government for nearly 140 years, decades of deferred maintenance coupled with scores of northeast winters have required a complete renovation of the roof and building envelope. Thanks to the leadership and advocacy of Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, this $1.5 million grant will help return the building to its former glory and ensure it is a place Albany residents can continue to be proud of for years to come.”