Big News on Albany’s Biggest Eyesore

Big News on Albany’s Biggest Eyesore

The large dilapidated and crumbling structure that hovers in the Albany Skyline just received a major gift from New York State. The Times Union reports that a grant worth $9.75 million to restore the long abandoned Central Warehouse has been awarded to the city.

A glimmer of hope in restoring the building
Glenn Wheeler Drone via YouTube

It’s estimated the building, a former cold storage facility, was in operation from 1920 until the late 80’s or early 90’s. Since its closure, a number of different owners have taken possession of the building with hopes of restoring it, but nothing has been done.

Glenn Wheeler Drone via YouTube

The building’s current owner, Evan Blum, has been engaged in legal battles with the city and county of Albany as they’ve tried to reclaim the building. If the building eventually falls back in the hands of the city, there are plans to sell the structure to Redburn Development, who will then renovate and restore the building into a mixed use facility that includes residential and commercial space.

Glenn Wheeler Drone via YouTube

Earlier this year, large chunks of concrete fell from the building’s exterior wall close to the railroad tracks that run by the building’s south side. Amtrak was forced to halt train service from Albany to Western New York for days while crews worked to stabilize the wall.

Glenn Wheeler Drone via YouTube

Hopefully, for the sake of the Albany skyline, the legal battles will quickly end and restoration can begin.

feature photo: Glenn Wheeler Drone via YouTube


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