Alfred E. Smith Building

The Alfred E. Smith Building, known officially as the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building and sometimes called simply the Smith Building, is a structure located in downtown Albany, New York across the street from the New York State Capitol and One Commerce Plaza. The building's namesake, Alfred Emmanuel Smith, was a four-term governor of New York and the Democratic Party's nomination for the 1928 presidential election. The Art Deco skyscraper has 34 stories and at 388 feet (118 m) is Albany's second tallest structure (after the Erastus Corning Tower). Completed in 1928, it houses offices of the New York State government. Built originally with an observation deck on the 31st floor, the 350-foot-high (110 m) open-air deck was closed in 1976 when the 589-foot-tall (180 m) 42nd floor enclosed Corning Tower Observation Deck was opened.[1] An extensive renovation of the building began in 2002. This modernization, which cost at least $103 million, is now finished.

Alfred E. Smith Building
The Alfred E. Smith Building viewed from the New York State Capitol
General information
Architectural styleArt Deco
LocationAlbany, New York, United States
Coordinates42.653986°N 73.75993°W / 42.653986; -73.75993
Completed1928
Height387 ft (118 m)
Technical details
Floor count34
Design and construction
ArchitectWilliam E. Haugaard and Sullivan W. Jones

Prior to reconstruction, the building was home to the state Comptroller's Office. With the renovation complete, the new tenants include the New York State Department of Civil Service, Department of State, New York State Banking Department, New York State Liquor Authority, and Division of the Budget.

The Alfred E. Smith Building has several distinctive features. These include the engraving of the names of all 62 New York State counties around the street-level facade and an Art Deco lobby with a mural depicting famous New Yorkers. A tunnel connects the building to the Capitol. The skyscraper is constructed of limestone and granite, and has views of Albany and the nearby landscape.

  • View of the northwest façade
  • Each county is inscribed in the building

See also

References

Notes

  1. Sarah Metzgar (November 9, 1997). "Once-proud skyscraper a disrespected relic". Albany Times Union. Retrieved 2009-06-06.

Sources

  • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building at Emporis Buildings
  • "Modernizing a landmark is a taxing task: Smith building renovation requires an eye for detail along with lots of cash." Elizabeth Benjamin. Times Union. November 6, 2005.
  • "DeWolff website"
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