Albany Capital Center proposes 57,499‑square‑foot addition at 126 State Street

Developers with Community Initiatives Development Corporation presented a concept review Jan. 9 to the Albany Historic Resources Commission seeking approval in principle for a 57,499‑square‑foot addition to 126 State Street and a 2,316‑square‑foot pedestrian bridge to the Albany Capital Center.

The project team said the plan would keep the historic six‑story tower and main State Street facade while partially demolishing and reconfiguring the building’s rear (Howard Street) elevation to attach the new construction, create an accessible entry on the western elevation and provide a recessed courtyard. Brandon Stabler, representing Community Initiatives Development Corporation, said, “The building’s about 45 ish thousand square feet now … and then it’s a 57,000 square foot addition.”

The nut graf: The commission treated the proposal as a concept review, not a formal approval; commissioners and staff focused on how the new massing and materials would read from State Street and the capitol, accessibility for people with disabilities, and possible archaeology and state historic preservation review tied to anticipated Empire State Development grant funding.

Most important facts first. The expansion would add roughly 57,499 square feet of interior space,…