Here's how $10 million will be spent in Albany as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (Montgomery: lofts)

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Here's how the money will be spent, with titles and descriptions provided by the state:

Design and Construct Clinton Avenue Streetscape Improvements — $2.8 million

Improve the visual appeal, function and safety of the Clinton Avenue streetscape leading to Clinton Square. The project includes the design and construction of streetscape improvements and pedestrian safety enhancements from Broadway to North Hawk Street within the DRI boundary. The design will feature a neighborhood gateway element, sidewalk and bicycle improvements, pedestrian lighting enhancements, tree planting and landscaping, new traffic signals, street furniture or other amenities, trash receptacles and other potential infrastructure enhancements.

Develop Live/Work Studios for Capital Region Artists — $2 million

Construct a six-story, mixed-use building at the corner of Broadway and Livingston, the Clinton Square Studios, consisting of 70 affordable live/work lofts exclusive to artists and ground floor retail and community spaces. The development will house performers and crew for Capital Repertory Theatre, attract artists from across the region, and provide a gallery and event space drawing visitors to Clinton Square’s emerging entertainment scene.

Construct an Event Venue Along the Skyway — $1.1 million

Construct a dynamic venue, Albany Happening, for pop-up events, rotating vendors, and active public use along the future Albany Skyway, a pedestrian walkway linking downtown with the Hudson River. Located at the Quay Street ramp, this venue will build on and contribute to the Skyway's activity, drawing residents and tourists to the DRI area. Among the improvements will be pavers, lighting, seating, landscaping, and electric and water service.


Create the Clinton Market Collective at Federal Park — $1 million

Renovate Federal Park to allow for the creation of a new market concept and proving ground for startup businesses. The activities proposed by this project — diverse pop up retail, installments by local artists, signature events and enhanced pedestrian connections — anchor Clinton Square’s role as both an engaging destination and an introduction to unique and vibrant local arts and commercial venues.

Create a Distinctive Skyway Gateway — $800,000

Create an artistic, signature gateway to the Skyway. The Gateway, to be located at the Interstate 787 exit ramp at Clinton Avenue, will include a decorative shade structure, pavers, lighting, landscaping, and a seat wall to create an iconic introductory moment to the park.

Pedestrian Improvements in Quackenbush Square — $650,000

Create an attractive, landscaped pedestrian corridor with improved sidewalks and crosswalks from the Quackenbush Garage to the Palace Theatre. Improving landscaping, lighting, seating and wayfinding in Quackenbush Square and enhancing the pedestrian corridor between the proposed new parking garage entrance and Broadway will lead to a better resident and visitor experience with enhanced connectivity and safety, connecting potential DRI investments at the Quackenbush Garage, Federal Park, Palace Theatre, and the Capital Craft Beverage Trail at the Pumphouse.

Design and Implement Steuben, Columbia, and Livingston Streetscape Improvements — $400,000

Design and install streetscape improvements along key pedestrian and vehicular corridors on Steuben Street, Columbia Street, and Livingston Avenue. The streetscape design will feature sidewalk and bicycle improvements, pedestrian lighting enhancements, tree planting and landscaping, street furniture or other amenities, and trash receptacles.


Transform the Livingston Avenue Railroad Bridge Underpass into a Downtown Gateway — $250,000

Illuminate the Livingston Avenue railroad bridge underpass with artistic lighting features to enhance pedestrian safety and create an inviting entrance on Broadway.

Create a Secondary Vehicular and Pedestrian Entrance to the Quackenbush Garage — $250,000

Construct a second entrance-only access point from Montgomery Street to the Quackenbush Garage, facilitating increased and safer access to the Palace Theatre, Quackenbush Square, the numerous dining and retail options in Quackenbush Square, and the future Skyway. The additional entrance will increase the garage's entry capacity by 50 percent during off-peak hours and 33 percent during peak hours.

Construct Affordable Home Ownership Units at Ida Yarbrough Homes — $200,000

Develop up to 10 new home ownership units at Ida Yarbrough Homes to provide pathways to home wealth building and home ownership for lower-income households and contribute to the area's vitality, cohesiveness, and shared sense of communal ownership.

Create a Local Coffee Company's First Standalone Café — $160,240

Construct a two-story building at 71 Livingston Ave. as Death Wish Coffee Company's first standalone branded café. The building will include street-level café space with outdoor seating, a retail component, and a tasting room.

Commission Four Large-Scale Murals as Part of the Capital Walls Program — $71,750

Commission, complete and promote four large-scale mural projects on highly visible walls within Clinton Square. These murals will add character and visual interest to an important gateway to downtown and improve walkability by continuing the landscape of public art into Clinton Square.

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