Albany receives $1.5 million for City Hall repairs

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The city of Albany received a $1.5 million Save America's Treasures grant from the National Parks Service and $750,000 from New York State's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's Environmental Protection Fund grant program. The money will help fund City Hall's roof and exterior repairs and restoration.

Construction will start this summer and take 24 to 36 months. It includes replacing the terra cotta tile roofing, sheet metal roofing, lighting protection systems, restoration of select facade stone units, clock faces, and insulation work. During construction, Corning Park behind City Hall will temporarily be closed, as well as some parking and sidewalk closures around City Hall.

City officials said the building had received piecemeal repairs since it was completed in 1919. Because of defective details and improper materials used in prior repairs, water ingress, and excessive plant growth have deteriorated the masonry tiles.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said the funding is a way to continue serving the city for centuries. "In 1885, American Architect and Building News named Albany City Hall one of 'The Best Ten Buildings in the United States.' Since then, Albany City Hall has been a beacon of pride for our residents and visitors alike," she said.