Gov. Cuomo celebrates Albany Capital Center topping-off

Albany, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo recently celebrated the “topping off” of the new Albany Capital Center, marking the completion of the steel construction phase of the new convention center in downtown Albany. Since breaking ground in March 2015, more than 120 construction workers have been employed to build the state-of-the-art facility. Already, 18 events estimated to generate $300,000 in revenue have booked space in the facility once it opens in March 2017. 

“The new Albany Capital Center will play a key role in transforming the Capital Region into a top destination for major events and conferences, attracting visitors and further growing the local economy.” Governor Cuomo said. “We are now one step closer to a convention center in downtown Albany that is worthy of the empire state’s capital city.”

Operated by SMG, the Albany Capital Center will offer event space from 1,000 to 50,000 s/f, accommodating between 10 and 5,000 people. Housing 22,500 s/f of ballroom/exhibit space, six meeting rooms with 9,200 s/f of space, and 13,500 s/f of pre-function space, the facility also provides visitors with top-notch amenities that include a full catering kitchen, a full range audio/visual/lighting equipment and three levels of on-site parking, as well as a direct connection to the Times Union Center.

“The Albany Capital Center is part of governor Cuomo’s commitment to breathing new life into downtowns across upstate New York,” said lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul. “As an epicenter for tourism and events of all sizes, not only are we creating jobs, we are also opening the door for new visitors to stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores, which will benefit the entire region.”

Empire State Development president, CEO & commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Today’s topping off ceremony brings us one step closer to completing the Capital Center, which will be a critical component in the ongoing revitalization of downtown. Under governor Cuomo’s leadership, the state has invested billions of dollars to grow our regional economies and spur job creation in every corner of the state, and we look forward to the significant economic opportunity the Albany Capital Center will generate.”

Albany mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The topping off ceremony today is a great sign of progress in the city of Albany. Thank you to governor Cuomo and his team for his leadership on a powerful project that will have a dramatic ripple effect on jobs, tourism, and the local economy.” 

The “topping off” ceremony is time-honored tradition that includes a small evergreen tree being affixed to a 30-ft.-long beam which is then hoisted into the air with the help of ironworkers and a large crane.