Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Mar. 18 the start of construction to redevelop the historic Selfridge & Langford Building at 97 Central Avenue in Albany. The $18 million project will convert the vacant four-story building into 49 affordable apartments with ground-floor commercial space, aiming to revitalize a key gateway corridor into downtown Albany.
The redevelopment is part of Governor Hochul’s broader effort to address New York’s housing shortage and increase access to affordable homes. Under her leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 2,300 affordable homes in Albany County, including over 1,900 in the city itself. The project also supports the Governor’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which seeks to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“By transforming the historic Selfridge & Langford Building into new affordable homes, we are preserving a historic gem and bringing new life to Central Avenue,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers need more housing now, and projects like this are how we deliver it. My administration is committed to increasing supply, lowering costs and making sure people have access to safe, affordable places to live.”
The building was originally constructed in 1911 and served as offices for the New York State Division of Parole from 1982 until it became vacant in 2021. In 2024, it was listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places as an early example of Neoclassical-style reinforced concrete architecture in Albany. The redevelopment will modernize the structure while preserving its historic character through upgrades such as new interior walls for apartments, roofing improvements, updated plumbing, masonry restoration, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
State financing for the project includes $7.3 million from HCR’s Small Buildings Participation Loan Program and an estimated $4.2 million in Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits facilitated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Additional funding comes from a $5.3 million permanent loan provided by the Community Preservation Corporation.
Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The redevelopment of 97 Central Avenue provides an example of how we can tackle the housing shortage across the state while preserving the historic buildings in our communities… This is exactly the kind of smart, community-focused development Governor Hochul is championing across New York.” Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser added that tax credit programs help elevate project outcomes while enhancing community pride: “We applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership in prioritizing safe, affordable housing for New Yorkers.”
Local officials welcomed the investment as a way to strengthen neighborhoods by reducing vacancy rates and supporting small businesses through active commercial space on Central Avenue. Senator Patricia Fahy said she looked forward “to seeing this historic landmark thrive once again,” while County Executive Daniel P. McCoy thanked Governor Hochul for her commitment “to expanding affordable housing.” Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs called it “exactly the kind of progress our city needs,” emphasizing its role in meeting demand for more housing options.
The project builds on other initiatives under Governor Hochul’s administration aimed at accelerating housing development statewide—including reforms proposed under her “Let Them Build” agenda—and complements a larger investment into Downtown Albany through programs like Championing Albany’s Potential.