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Albany commission reviews First Presbyterian Church plan for accessibility lift and rooftop HVAC
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Summary
Designers presented concept renderings for a Willett Street vestibule housing a limited‑use elevator to improve basement accessibility and rooftop HVAC screening; the Historic Resources Commission asked for two alternative renderings (rusticated cast stone and brick) before a future vote.
The Albany Historic Resources Commission reviewed concept designs Tuesday for an accessibility vestibule and rooftop HVAC for First Presbyterian Church at 10 Willett Street. Leslie Chu, co‑chair of the church’s capital campaign, introduced the project and turned design questions over to Mark Thaler of TRW Architecture and Preservation.
Thaler showed renderings of a small rear vestibule that would contain a limited‑use elevator serving basement meeting spaces, and a stair alongside the existing house. He said the proposed base for the raised metal fence would be cast stone molded to match existing church masonry, with three alternating tones to reflect the church’s non‑monochromatic stonework. A glass storefront system and skylight were included in the concept; Thaler said the elevator vestibule would be recessed so stained‑glass views remain visible from some approaches.
Commissioners focused on material compatibility and visual impact. Several asked whether the new fence and gate would reuse the existing metalwork, whether the alley belongs to the church, and whether a cast‑stone base or a brick treatment would better match the adjacent church facade. Thaler said the gate would be modernized with current hardware, the fence would be raised on a cast‑stone plinth to match the church, and the project team can present custom color and texture samples.
Public commenter Lee said he supported the brick and glass approach and described the proposed HVAC screening as visually unobtrusive. Planning staff and commissioners asked the design team to return with two renderings showing alternative treatments—one emphasizing rusticated cast stone and one showing the brick option—so the commission could review concept-level options before taking a vote.
The commission did not take a formal vote on the concept review. Staff said written comments from the session would be compiled and provided to the applicants; designers were asked to return at a future meeting with the two renderings and a clearer presentation of the alternatives.
