One of the Mayor's preservation committees last year worked on analyzing the state of historic preservation in the city. While the city has lost much, there is an renewed effort to keep and restore much of our remaining historic stock.

It's true you may not see one big renovation project, in contrast to the mega-demolition derby that occurred within weeks in the 70's, but it IS happening.

To prove this point, the committee compiled a number of restoration efforts that were completed by individuals, businesses, or even public agencies. More than 40 projects were examined that occurred over the last year or two. Let's look at some of the best examples.

180 Fourth Street.

Better known as the Pumpkin House, this c.1820, small two story Federal period frame house is located in the newly promoted Pottery District between Ferry and Liberty. It was occupied by potter Curtis Wilbur. The Pottery District was centered around the intersection of Ferry and Fourth and several 19th century potters made utilitarian wares from Hudson River clay. Restored meticulously by Carl Erickson, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

Phoenix Hotel

Restoring the Phoenix Hotel was controversial among Lansingburgh residents, but the history of this building makes it one of our most important structures. Seeing it come back to life again as a hotel of sorts is far better than the parking lot once proposed for it.

The site of the Phoenix has served as an lodging and dining site for more than 200 years. When the County of Rensselaer was created on February 7th, 1791, the first county meetings were held here. The first Court of Common Pleas met here also.

Olde Judge Mansion B&B (Glen and 6th Ave)

The Victorian Judge Mansion is one of North Central's most shining jewels. Trojan Tina Curzan has restored the mansion and turned it into an elegant bed & breakfast. Built in the late 1800's, you can relax and dine within beautiful interior oak woodwork with wonderful arches and large 12 foot ornate ceilings - truly an experience that takes you back to the Age of Innocence.

Gurley Building, Troy Lighting Center, Fifth & Fulton

For over a hundred years the name Gurley meant quality scientific and surveying equipment and was respected around the world. This brick building, located downtown, with the many arched windows, is a symbol of Troy's industrial leadership during the 19th century. The building has been renovated and is the home of The Lighting Research Center, part of RPI's School of Architecture. The LRC is the world's largest university-based center for lighting education and research.

The RPI Approach

Talk about symbolism! When this granite stairway to RPI was built at the turn of the last century, Troy was an industrial giant. When Troy was in the gutter so too did the Approach fall to ruins.

In 1996, a city grant and some matching money from RPI later has brought this beautiful monument back to life in 1999.

Hall (Rice) building

Benjamin Hall, lawyer, poet, and city chamberlain, built this architecturally flamboyant flatiron building at the corner of First and River in 1871. Known as the Hall Building for over one hundred years, it's now called the Rice Building (why?). Regardless, a combination of investors from TAP, Troy Savings Bank, and Senator Bruno brought this building back to life and it shines bright.

Cluett and Miller, Hall & Hartwell buildings, River Street

Cadillac Man John Hedley got into real estate and showed that large former collar and shirt buildings could be used again. The former Cluett Peabody and Miller, Hall & Hartwell Shirt Company (old Standard furniture past Hoosick) are now fully functioning state office buildings.

Winslow building

Originally built in 1866, partly from the money of John F. Winslow, an RPI trustee and Troy iron manufacturer, the Winslow Chemical Laboratory later became classrooms, then abandoned, and then scheduled for demolition in 1993. Instead, it is the new home of the Junior Museum.

County Jail, Fifth and Ferry

Who would have thought a jail could have any other use, but Rensselaer County converted the jail facilities, built in 1911, to new offices (and no bars).

Troy Fire and Police Station, State Street

Built in 1925, this combination fire and police station served Troy well. The fire house has been renovated to offices. The police station is still in use.

This is just a sample of some of the preservation/renovation projects that have occurred in Troy recently. There are many more to come. All of us should take our hats off to the people and organizations that decided to make the investment in Troy as their place for home or work.