Demolition work is set to begin on the Central Warehouse in Albany, a building that has stood as a prominent example of urban blight for decades. The project is supported by $11.6 million in state funding through Restore New York and the Regional Economic Development Council, aiming to encourage community development and neighborhood growth by removing deteriorated structures.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of demolition, noting the long-standing impact of the warehouse on local investment and economic progress. “Out with the old and in with the new — the Central Warehouse has been an eyesore for our State’s Capital Region, and today, we are finally taking the necessary steps to do something about it,” Governor Hochul said. “The demolition of the Central Warehouse will not only eliminate blight, unused spaces, but it’ll allow for new opportunities to bolster the community and uplift economic growth.”
The funding was recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council as part of broader efforts to revitalize Albany’s downtown core. This project complements Governor Hochul’s Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative—a $400 million state-led investment designed to support redevelopment projects across commercial corridors, housing growth, cultural institutions such as the State Museum, and improvements to public safety and connectivity in areas divided by Interstate 787.
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy highlighted combined investments from both state resources and county ARPA funds totaling more than $14 million. “Thank you to Governor Hochul for her steadfast support of this effort, adding more than $11.6 million to our County ARPA fund investment of $3 million to get this project over the finish line. The Central Warehouse has been the biggest eyesore in upstate New York for decades and became a symbol of economic decline rather than growth. Its demolition will mark a new chapter for our community and serve as a powerful reminder that change can happen, even if it takes years of persistence. Now, we will begin the process of envisioning what happens next,” McCoy stated.
The warehouse sits alongside I-787 at one of Albany’s key gateways and had become increasingly unsafe despite various rehabilitation attempts over past years. Officials determined that full demolition was required after other solutions proved unworkable.
The plan includes six months dedicated to asbestos abatement followed by demolition activities expected to generate around 90,000 tons of clean concrete slated for recycling or reuse instead of landfill disposal. Once complete, a 1.1-acre site suitable for future investment will be created within downtown Albany.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight commented on how removing this structure could transform prospects for redevelopment: “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. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, and in partnership with Albany County, bold actions are finally being taken, which will support new opportunities for revitalization and community development at a crucial point in the city’s long history.”
Earlier this month saw further activity under CAP with over 700 people attending its first public workshop at Albany Capital Center—including residents along with business leaders and government partners—to help shape strategies for downtown revitalization.
