NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2007

Albany Convention Center Authority Considers Preferred Concept for Convention Center Project

ALBANY, N.Y. – As a part of the Albany Convention Center Authority preliminary study, mandated by statute, the Authority Board met today to consider the conceptual preferred alternative for the Albany Convention Center Project.
           
This plan locates the exhibit hall (60,000 sq. feet), multifunctional space (25,000 sq. feet), ballroom (10,000 sq. feet) and meeting breakout rooms (12,350 sq. feet) on the south side of Hudson Avenue. 

Two hotels, one a full-service, 250-room property – as well as an additional 150 focused-service property – would be located on the north side of Hudson Avenue.  The hotel strategy was part of the recommendation from HVS International, consultants to the Authority.  While this scenario is currently the preferred alternative, others will continue to be considered as part of the Generic Environmental Impact Study (GEIS).

“Building this large-scale project in an important historic and commercial location in downtown presents us with both opportunities and challenges” stated George Leveille, Chairman of the Albany Convention Center Authority. 

As planning continues, the Authority is carefully considering the unique historic fabric of the site and is also working cooperatively with the City of Albany, the Albany Parking Authority, CDTA, impacted  land owners, major stakeholders and the community to develop urban planning strategies for parking, traffic circulation, pedestrian access and sustainable design.

Click here to be directed to the Status Report.

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