For Immediate Release: Central Warehouse Demolition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2025
Advance Albany County Alliance Board Votes to Enter Negotiations for the Demolition of Albany’s Central Warehouse Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy Securing Additional Funding
Support from Governor Kathy Hochul
ALBANY, N.Y.—The Advance Albany County Alliance announced today that its Board of Directors has voted to enter contract negotiations for the demolition of the long-abandoned Central Warehouse, and has invited Gramercy Group, Inc. of Wantagh, New York, and LiRo-Hill to those negotiations.
The Central Warehouse, a 97-year-old decommissioned cold storage facility in North Albany, has largely been abandoned and deteriorating since the early 1990’s.
The cost of the demolition is now estimated at more than $14 million, higher than the $13 million in funding previously gathered in New York state and Albany County commitments. Through partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy has secured additional funding for the demolition project.
“For too long the Central Warehouse has been a source of frustration, safety concerns and economic stagnation. Previous attempts to remove it were met with red tape, funding challenges and logistical setbacks. But today, I am pleased to say that thanks to the perseverance of Albany County those obstacles are behind us. We have secured the additional resources needed to get this project across the finish line, and I want to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this effort. This marks a turning point for our community, as we finally clear this dangerous eyesore from the Albany City skyline and deliver results to our residents,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
The Advance Albany County Alliance officially acquired ownership of 143 Montgomery Street and the Central Warehouse in January 2025 from CW Skyway LLC, an ownership group which became unable to complete its vision for Central Warehouse due to the rising cost of maintenance and redevelopment. The cost to acquire the property was $50,000. In anticipation of demolition, the Alliance issued a request for bids to demolish Central Warehouse in 2024, receiving and evaluating seven total bids before entering into contract negotiations with Gramercy Group and LiRo-Hill.
“The Advance Albany County Alliance is confident in the plan that Gramercy Group and LiRo-Hill have presented to safely and efficiently bring an end to the Central Warehouse,” said Kevin O’Connor, CEO of the Advance Albany County Alliance. “I thank all of the bidders for their dedication to finding the best way to rid Albany of this eyesore, and I look forward to the work commencing soon.”
No implosion will be used in the demolition process, and onlookers to the demolition will be discouraged from venturing too closely to the worksite. Anyone wishing to view the progress of the site and demolition will be required to keep a considerable safe distance – such as the Albany Skyway. Any closer inspection will incur risk of legal consequence and serious personal injury. Additionally, Albany County and the eventual contractor will proactively reach out to adjacent property owners or others expected to be affected by the demolition process over the coming months, to advise them of any anticipated impacts and to work towards collaborative solutions.
The demolition of Central Warehouse will end a decades-long saga that began with the abandonment of the 11-story, 400,000 square foot structure in the early 1990’s. Many freezing winters, vandalism and a destructive 2010 fire all contributed to the structural weakening of Central Warehouse, which itself was cause for a state of emergency in 2022 when its crumbling exterior concrete threatened the adjacent Amtrak rail line. Soon after, the unsightly structure was partially wrapped in mesh to protect its surroundings from falling debris and has remained fenced off at its perimeter.
About Advance Albany County Alliance: The Advance Albany County Alliance is a Local Development Corporation focused on business development and growth, retaining and attracting jobs and promoting Albany County. Collaborating with public, private and nonprofit interests to boost the county’s economy, services are offered at no cost to businesses and operations and are supported by public and private funders who are equally committed to the success of Albany County. Learn more by visiting advancealbanycounty.com.
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