LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Historic
Albany Foundation to be celebrated November 7, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
foundations and its members who are devoted to the welfare of the commu-
nity and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 35th Anniversary of Historic Albany Foundation at its Bever-
wycked Ball held at Cathedral of All Saints, Albany, New York, on
Saturday, November 7, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Historic Albany Foundation is a private, not-for-profit
membership organization working to promote the preservation and appreci-
ation of the built environment in and around the city of Albany; and
WHEREAS, Since 1974, Historic Albany Foundation has fulfilled its
mandate through public education, promotion and membership, provision of
design and technical assistance, community projects, advocacy for endan-
gered buildings, publications, tours, lectures and operation of an
architectural parts warehouse; and
WHEREAS, Historic Albany Foundation has three major preservation
programs - preservation advocacy, education, and technical assistance;
through these programs, Historic Albany Foundation has worked to reha-
bilitate and preserve Albany's built environment; and
WHEREAS, Straddling these three programs, Historic Albany Foundation's
innovative Vacant Buildings Initiative was developed in partnership with
the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany;
Historic Albany Foundation contracted with the Department of Geography
and Planning to complete the vacant buildings inventory; and
WHEREAS, Historic Albany Foundation continues to be an unwavering
champion of 'best practices' in preserving historical structures and of
protecting endangered buildings within the community; and
WHEREAS, Historic Albany Foundation maintains a list of Albany's
Endangered Historic Resources; it works with preservation and community
partners to find reuse and rehabilitation opportunities for these and
other endangered resources; and
WHEREAS, Successes include the stabilization of buildings in Center
Square, Hudson/Park and The Pastures, the Hinckel Brewery (now apartment
housing), 96 Madison Avenue (a former governor's mansion), as well as
facade improvements on Lark, State, and North Pearl Streets; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, Historic Albany Foundation stopped the demolition of
the facade at 41 Ten Broeck Street in Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood,
taking title to the property and stabilizing the remaining 3 stories of
the 157-year-old facade; unfortunately, the structure behind the facade
was demolished, but Historic Albany Foundation is searching for a buyer
to restore the building and return it as a functioning part of the
vibrant Ten Broeck Triangle district; and
WHEREAS, Historic Albany Foundation's Preservation Workshops focus on
preservation techniques and architectural history, while its Preserva-
tion Library provides information on regional history, historic building
restoration, and architectural styles; and
WHEREAS, Historic house and garden tours provide opportunities to view
restored homes of historic and architectural significance; the Founda-
tion's Building Plaque Program identifies historic buildings and recog-
nizes homeowners for their preservation efforts; and its staff can

assist property owners who wish to research the history of their build-
ing; and
WHEREAS, Lectures and special events sponsored by Historic Albany
Foundation showcase Albany's heritage; publications affiliated with
these events provide an opportunity to learn about different aspects of
Albany's architectural history; and
WHEREAS, Property owners interested in restoring or rehabilitating
residential or commercial buildings can receive such technical assist-
ance as how to stabilize a structure or which paint color to select that
is both historically significant and harmonious with the existing
streetscape; and
WHEREAS, As an information clearinghouse, Historic Albany Foundation
has the knowledge and experience to recommend reputable craftsmen for
specialized work as well as information on exterior restoration such as
railings, windows, and doors; and
WHEREAS, Historic Albany Foundation holds regular workshops, from
hands-on window repair to informative sessions on architectural styles
and old house ailments; furthermore, it can assist property owners in
obtaining grants for restorative work and provides information on local,
state, and federal grants for preservation and restoration of local
historic structures; and
WHEREAS, Technical Services staff can conduct home site visits on
appointment, to provide an assessment of the property and offer techni-
cal advice on best practices for preserving historic buildings; in cases
where there is no alternative to demolition, Historic Albany Foundation
salvages reusable building parts that would otherwise be lost; and
WHEREAS, The Architectural Parts Warehouse, located at 89 Lexington
Avenue, is the oldest continuously operating not-for-profit architec-
tural salvage business in the country, with 10,000 square feet filled
with everything from bath tubs to door knobs, mantles and moldings to
stained glass; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention
to organizations such as Historic Albany Foundation, which serve to
bring people together for the united purpose of actively pursuing
improvements in their communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 35th Anniversary of Historic Albany Foundation on Novem-
ber 7, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to J. Wm. Bouchard, President, Historic Albany Foundation.