The landmark DeWitt Clinton Hotel on State St. in the city's downtown is presently under renovation by the Columbia Development Companies, BBL Construction Services and BBL Hospitality, a project that will result in the construction of an $48.5 million Marriott Renaissance hotel. The project was unveiled in an announcement by New York State governor Andrew Cuomo last August.
This will be a transformative project at one of the busiest and highest-profile intersections in New York's capital city, as well as one that will preserve a historically significant piece of architecture that dates back decades.
Built in 1927, the hotel was named after former New York governor DeWitt Clinton. The 11-story building sits across the street from the Capitol, at the corner of State and Eagle Sts. The hotel ceased operations in 1975. Bringing it back into operation will be a boon to the city and imbue a cultural touchstone with new life.
The project is a part of a number of initiatives Columbia is undertaking in the area, which has a number of blighted and disused buildings. It has led some to call the ongoing improvements at the DeWitt and Columbia's five adjacent historic Wellington Row buildings an "Upper State St. Renaissance."
"Columbia Development Companies has earned a reputation for taking on tough projects and for having success where others have walked away," said Joseph Nicolla, president of Columbia Development. "This project is possible because of strong support from New York State, namely governor Cuomo and his economic development team. Governor Cuomo's 'Open for Business' strategy, coupled with support of local leaders, make it possible for significant private investment to be made in this important downtown landmark."
When the renovations are finished, the hotel will contain 204 rooms, and a 300 hundred-space parking garage will be located at the rear of the property. As a part of the exclusive and upscale Marriott Renaissance label, the hotel will provide an unparalleled level of service to guests, including access to Renaissance Navigators, local experts ready to assist guests in discovering local flavors and activities.
The property will be Upstate New York's first Marriott Renaissance hotel, and serve as a marquee addition to what has been a great expansion of services in the downtown area surrounding the State Capitol. Guests of the hotel will discover newfound access to restaurants, theater and nightlife, all of which will be made only the stronger by Columbia and BBL's efforts to revitalize upper State St.
Columbia expects to begin construction in late February. The initiative will be directly responsible for the creation of 200 construction and hospitality jobs, at least 100 of them permanent. The building's historic lobby and barrel vault arcade will be restored, and the hotel will also offer intimate meeting spaces, a ballroom, a full-service restaurant open to the public, a lounge and coffee shop.
"Other cities like New York City and Boston have seen Renaissance's model of renovating historic hotels create a distinctive excitement that pairs the hotel with its host city," said Steve Obermayer, president of BBL Hospitality. "Through our previous partnerships with the Marriott brand, we believe that Renaissance is a perfect fit for Albany and will provide an experience never before seen here."
The New York State Empire State Development Corp. is partnering with Columbia and BBL on the project, and ESD president & CEO Kenneth Adams attended the kick-off announcement. New York State has committed a $4 million grant for the restoration of the DeWitt Clinton property, which is located next to the site of the recently proposed Albany Capital Center, the future convention center in downtown Albany. Officials expect the renovated hotel to be a beacon in the downtown area, and provide a significant economic impact to the area.
It is expected the project will be completed in September of 2015.
Architect: HBT Architects
Developer: Columbia Development Companies
Public Relations: Gramercy Communications
General Contractor: BBL Construction Services
Lender: Berkshire Bank Tags: