Demolition plans draw opposition
Critics say club proposal would ruin streetscape near the Capitol
By TIM O'BRIEN, Staff writer
Monday, May 5, 2008
ALBANY -- The Fort Orange Club wants to demolish two buildings next door on Washington Avenue for a parking lot, but opponents say their removal will ruin the streetscape a block from the Capitol.
The 128-year-old social club would raze the multistory office buildings it owns at 118-120 Washington Ave. The space would be used to expand the parking lot from 51 to 73 spaces.
The club, next to the Alfred E. Smith Building, proposes to add a wrought-iron fence, stone and mature greenery to block the view. Approval is required from several city agencies, but the plan is being opposed by the Center Square, Hudson/Park and Washington Park Neighborhood associations and the council member representing the area.
"We shouldn't be demolishing structurally sound buildings and replacing them with parking lots," said Richard Conti, the Common Council's president pro tempore.
The buildings, which are connected, are not historic, nor is the neighborhood labeled a historic district.
Conti said that should be irrelevant because removing the buildings would have an impact on a highly visible stretch of the city.
"It's nothing against the Fort Orange Club," Conti said. "It's an important part of the community."
Susan Holland, executive director of Historic Albany Foundation, said the board opposes the demolition of buildings to create parking lots.
"The district itself where the buildings are had a determination for (historic) eligibility in 1980, but nothing was ever done about it," she said. Some of her members also belong to the club, she said.
Roger Bearden, president of the Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association, said there is no reason to remove the structures.
"They are perfectly good buildings. There are no indications they are in any trouble," he said. "They look like nice brick office buildings."
Last week, the Zoning Board of Appeals tabled the request to approve the parking lot. The Planning Board has determined the project would not have a negative environmental impact. The city must also grant a permit for the demolitions.
Nicholas DiLello, director of the Division of Buildings and Codes, said applications for the demolitions have not yet been filed.
It is not the first time the club has demolished a building to expand parking. In 1982, preservationists lost a two-year battle to preserve the 73-year-old Arts and Crafts style building at 116 Washington Ave.
Herb Shultz, vice president for the 600-member private social club, said the demolition would open up views of churches on State Street and lessen traffic problems during club events.
"With the streetscape that has been proposed, it is going to look very attractive," he said.
Removing the buildings will also enable the club's driveway to be expanded, he said. The driveway is now only wide enough for one car, but it will be expanded to allow two-way traffic.
"It will allow cars to go in and out of that space without backing up onto Washington Avenue," he said.
The buildings are now occupied with office tenants, but Shultz said they have been informed they will need to move.
Built in 1810 as a private home, the club renovated and occupied the building July 1, 1880, five months after the club's founding.
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories...sdate=5/5/2008