Antiquity Project: Ruins of the Central Warehouse
Albany, New York
Albany, New York
Large Format Image
Long Exposure
Built in 1927, Albany’s Central Warehouse was a 500,000-square-foot cold storage facility located near Montgomery Street. Designed to preserve perishable goods like meat, fish, and dairy, it played a vital role in regional commerce due to its proximity to railroads and the Hudson River. Its thick, reinforced concrete structure and windowless design ensured optimal temperature control for the era.
As Albany’s industrial era faded, the warehouse fell into disuse, becoming largely abandoned by the 1980s. Efforts to repurpose it were hindered by ownership disputes, unpaid taxes, and bureaucratic challenges. Over time, the decaying structure became a controversial landmark, viewed by some as a relic of the past and by others as an eyesore.
In February 2025, the Advance Albany County Alliance assumed control of the property and is currently evaluating bids for its demolition, sparking debate over whether to erase or preserve this piece of Albany’s industrial history.
Long Exposure
Built in 1927, Albany’s Central Warehouse was a 500,000-square-foot cold storage facility located near Montgomery Street. Designed to preserve perishable goods like meat, fish, and dairy, it played a vital role in regional commerce due to its proximity to railroads and the Hudson River. Its thick, reinforced concrete structure and windowless design ensured optimal temperature control for the era.
As Albany’s industrial era faded, the warehouse fell into disuse, becoming largely abandoned by the 1980s. Efforts to repurpose it were hindered by ownership disputes, unpaid taxes, and bureaucratic challenges. Over time, the decaying structure became a controversial landmark, viewed by some as a relic of the past and by others as an eyesore.
In February 2025, the Advance Albany County Alliance assumed control of the property and is currently evaluating bids for its demolition, sparking debate over whether to erase or preserve this piece of Albany’s industrial history.
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www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved
