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7 Shocking Ways Historic Albany Foundation Is Saving The City's Oldest Secrets In 2025

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The Historic Albany Foundation (HAF) is not just preserving old buildings; they are actively rewriting the future of New York's Capital City by protecting its 400-year-old architectural heritage. As of late 2025, the organization is engaged in some of its most ambitious and critical projects to date, highlighted by a multi-million dollar effort to stabilize and restore the oldest building in Albany, a structure that provides an authentic connection to the city's early Dutch history. This deep dive reveals the latest initiatives, key leaders, and must-know events that define HAF's mission of advocacy, education, and technical assistance in the current year. Established in 1974, the Historic Albany Foundation is a private, not-for-profit membership organization that serves as the primary watchdog and advocate for the preservation of Albany's unique built environment. Their work extends beyond simple restoration, focusing on strategic preservation that promotes economic development and community revitalization across the city's historic districts.

The Vanguard of Preservation: HAF's 2025 Leadership and Mission

The foundation's success is driven by a dedicated leadership team and an expansive board of directors that guides its core mission tenets of advocacy, education, and technical assistance. For the 2025-2026 term, the organization is steered by a committed group of preservationists and community leaders.

Historic Albany Foundation Key Leadership (2025-2026)

  • President: Matt Malette
  • Officer: Shawn Morris
  • Board Directors (Partial List): Padraic Bambrick, Derek Baranski, Paige Barnum, Elizabeth Benjamin, Michelle Bruck, Schuyler Bull, Jake Capecelatro, and April Fallon.
This leadership team is responsible for overseeing the foundation's diverse programming, from educational tours and technical workshops to its most crucial function: hands-on preservation projects and advocacy for threatened historic structures.

The Fight for 48 Hudson Avenue: Saving Albany's Oldest Building

The most significant and high-profile preservation effort currently underway by the Historic Albany Foundation is the stabilization and restoration of the Van Ostrande-Radliff House at 48 Hudson Avenue.

1. The Van Ostrande-Radliff House: A 1728 Time Capsule

The Van Ostrande-Radliff House is documented as the oldest surviving building in the city of Albany, New York. Constructed in 1728, it is one of a mere handful of Dutch urban buildings to have survived in America, making its preservation a national architectural imperative.

2. The $36 Million Restoration and Adaptive Reuse Project

HAF is leading a multi-phase restoration and reuse project for the structure, a massive undertaking that has been estimated to cost $36 million. The goal is not just to stabilize the building but to restore its exterior so that it once again reads as an authentic Dutch building from Hudson Avenue.

3. Partnership with Preservation League of New York State

This monumental project is being executed in partnership with the Preservation League of New York State (PLNYS), which provided a Program loan to assist with the critical stabilization phase. This collaborative effort ensures the preservation work adheres to the highest standards of historic rehabilitation.

HAF's 2025 Calendar: Celebrating Preservation and Community

The foundation maintains a vibrant calendar of events that serve both as community engagement tools and crucial fundraisers for its preservation efforts. These events highlight the importance of the built environment and the value of adaptive reuse.

4. The BUILT 2025 Art Auction and Exhibit

One of HAF's signature annual events is the BUILT exhibit and charitable auction, which took place in November 2025. The event, known for its architecturally themed art, was hosted at the Emmanuel Baptist Church and featured over 200 pieces of art, including paintings, photographs, sculpture, and jewelry. The 2025 theme was "The Disco Ball," bringing a vibrant energy to the fundraising effort.

5. Preservation Awards: Honoring 2025 Excellence

The annual Preservation Merit Awards celebrate outstanding examples of rehabilitation or adaptive reuse that set a model for best practices in the region. The 2025 awards recognized several key figures and projects:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Lee Pinckney III for his long-standing dedication to preservation.
  • Exemplary Projects: Recognition was also given to Charles Straney and nine other homeowners for their exemplary preservation projects conducted throughout Albany.

These awards are vital for inspiring future preservation efforts and recognizing the hard work of homeowners and developers who commit to historic rehabilitation over demolition.

6. 2025 Fundraising Events: Toast to Downtown Albany

Beyond the BUILT auction, HAF hosts other key fundraising and community engagement events. A tentative Spring Auction was scheduled for June 2025, alongside the popular "Toast to Downtown Albany" event. These events provide essential sponsorship opportunities that directly support the foundation's advocacy and educational programming.

7. Advocacy and Education: The Core of HAF's Future

While the physical restoration of structures like the Van Ostrande-Radliff House captures headlines, the foundation's long-term impact rests on its dedication to advocacy and education. HAF works tirelessly to monitor the Albany Historic District and surrounding neighborhoods, providing technical assistance to property owners navigating the complexities of historic preservation.

They offer workshops, tours, and resources to the community, ensuring that the next generation of homeowners, developers, and policymakers understand the value of preserving the unique architecture that defines the city. By focusing on the entire streetscape and community, the Historic Albany Foundation ensures that Albany’s rich history is not just saved in museum pieces, but continues to thrive as a living, breathing part of the city's identity.

7 Shocking Ways Historic Albany Foundation is Saving the City's Oldest Secrets in 2025
historic albany foundation albany ny
historic albany foundation albany ny

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