History

The existing building at 17 Chapel Street is a structure full of history relevant to Albany and the Capital Region. Built circa 1928, the four-story, cast-in-place concrete building was designed by architect Alexander Selkirk.

The building was initially constructed to house the Livermore-Traendly auto dealership and repair shop. It remained a car dealership through 1965, falling under different operation, including Schuyler Hudson Auto Corp, Gateway Motors, and Hickey Ford.

From some time after the last auto dealer left until 2002, the Albany City Arts and Special Events Department had office space in the building and used a portion of the building for storage of election machines. Albany Centers Galleries later occupied the first floor space in the building and the Park Playhouse Theater Company also used the building. In 2002, Capital Repertory Theater purchased 17 Chapel Street, using it for offices, set and prop storage, set construction, and rehearsal. Capital Rep sold the building to its current owners in 2008.

The new building, designed by Schopfer Architects, will add a steel structure with three additional floors. The first and second floors will house the lobby, fitness center, 38 reserved parking spaces and storage units inside a heated garage. Twenty-four condos will be located on floors 3 through 7, with a roof deck at the 8th floor level.

Presently, the building has drive ramps from the 2nd floor up to the 5th floor roof, held over from its auto dealership days, which will be removed. The exterior of the building will be re-faced with new materials including brick to give a historic feel. The overall aesthetic is inspired by the original modernist structure and mixes in elements of contemporary style while evoking the historic surroundings of downtown Albany.

Learn about the Amenities at 17 Chapel