Governor Hochul And County Executive Mccoy Announce Final Demolition Phases Begin On Albany's Central Warehouse

What this means

A factual summary is pending editorial review. The complete official release is reproduced below with issuer attribution and a direct link to the original publication.

Official release

Source material from New York Empire State Development. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

Three Phases Will Finish Deconstruction of Longstanding Concrete Eyesore

Video of Governor Kicking Off Start of Demolition Available Here

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.”

Read the full press release here.

Release text attributed to New York Empire State Development. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.