People & Places You Should Know: Historic Albany Parts Warehouse

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Happy Tuesday, Capital District! Today, we’re taking you to the Historic Albany Parts Warehouse to dig for some architectural gems. Also, check out our Home of the Week and what’s happening around town.

Let’s 🦘to it!

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

People & Places You Should Know: Historic Albany Parts Warehouse

The Historic Albany Parts Warehouse is where old homes go to be reborn—as pieces of other beloved homes being repaired or renovated.

Operated by the Historic Albany Foundation since 1978, the warehouse is the Capital District’s only not-for-profit architectural salvage store. It’s also known as the Architectural Parts Warehouse.

Literally filled to the rafters, the warehouse is a wonderful emporium of architectural relics. Here, you’ll find vintage door knobs and locks. Rows and rows of old doors and windows, too. You’ll also find molding, lighting fixtures, banisters and lumber salvaged from classic New York homes.

Looking for a vintage wooden ladder, as we were last week? Got it! Need the perfect period-appropriate sconce? You’ll find it here. The warehouse receives new donations of old stuff every week. Last year, several century-old booths from Lombardo’s Restaurant, the historic Italian eatery in Albany now occupied by Hattie’s, were donated to the Parts Warehouse—and snapped up within hours.

Walk the warehouse and you’ll likely bump into interior designers, architects, history buffs, contractors, and homeowners in need of that one thing. One regular customer is the set designer for HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” says Warehouse Manager David Ritrovato.

Within the warehouse you’ll also find the Tool Library, which lends out 500 different tools, including power tools, pressure washers, shop vacs and garden tools.

The best part about the warehouse? The prices are really reasonable since it runs on donations. Become a Historic Albany Foundation member for $45, and you’ll get a 20% discount on everything. It’s so worth it. Proceeds support the foundation’s important work of preserving Albany’s architectural history.

A membership also gets you discounted admission to events. Next weekend, Nov. 1-3, the foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of events: On Friday, as part of First Friday Albany, the public is invited to view and bid on 200 architectural-theme artworks at Built 2024, at the Albany Armory ($20 suggested donation). On Saturday, the foundation is throwing a 1974-themed disco party / fundraiser ($135 for members).

And if you have vintage architectural items laying around, the warehouse will gladly accept them. Help keep historic Albany alive!

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🦕 The New York Times profiled our beloved New York State Museum, but it wasn’t necessarily a positive piece—“This Museum Is Old. But with $75 Million to Spend, Why Is It So Dingy?” Ouch. Truth be told, the museum is in serious need of a makeover, as we wrote about recently.

🧑‍🎓 For the second consecutive year, CUNY and SUNY are waiving application fees across all of their campuses, starting this week during College Application Month. Details here.

👋 In 2023, nearly half a million New York residents migrated out of the state. Where did they all go? The Times Union looks at the 5 biggest destinations for departing New Yorkers. Not surprisingly, folks want warmer weather. [Gift article]

This Mediterranean-style Colonial is ginormous, but still maintains a warm, elegant vibe. Dream big with three expansive floors featuring big windows, hardwood floors and 10-ft ceilings throughout. Plus, enjoy renovated bathrooms and a stylish kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Conveniently located in the Pine Hills neighborhood, this grand old dame would be ideal for folks who love to maintain beautiful, well-built things and share them with others, perhaps as an owner-occupied short-term rental.

The deets: 4 bd, 4 ba, 4303 sf. Asking: $534,800. Days on market: 7. See the full listing here.

🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING

Note: Our full weekend roundup publishes on Thursdays. Check your inboxes!

🎞️ On Thursday, the 2nd annual Renaissance Black Film Festival returns to Albany. Opening night is 6 pm at the Spectrum 8 Theatre, with a Q&A panel and reception to follow.

👻 Also on Friday, Knickerbocker Mansion hosts its Annual Knick-at-Night Souper Supper and Ghostly Mansion Tours in Schaghticoke. Dinner is only $15 or $25 with dinner and tour. Reservations required for the tour.

🎸 Phish kicks off their special 3-night residency at the MVP Arena.

🐕️ Troy Night Out is always a fun evening of strolling around downtown, but it’s extra special this Friday because it’s Dogtober. Dress up your pup for the occasion!

🎃 On Saturday, the City of Albany’s Trick or Trot Pumpkin Run is a delightful race for all ages, featuring a beautiful Halloween decorated course through Washington Park.

🍸️ Also Saturday, Bar Vegan is hosting a Halloween-themed bar crawl.

🦸‍♀️ Get your cosplay on at Albany Comic Con on Sunday. It’s the Capital Region’s biggest comic book and collectibles convention.

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