New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction has officially begun on a $54.9 million expansion of the Albany Capital Center (ACC), a project that will increase the downtown facility’s event and meeting space to 84,000 square feet. The groundbreaking marks the next phase of efforts to enhance Albany’s convention and tourism infrastructure.
The expansion will create a connection between State and Eagle Streets and add five new meeting rooms, a column-free main ballroom, a historic-style ballroom for smaller events, and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor event courtyard. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Turner Construction Co. is serving as the general contractor for the project, overseeing the redevelopment of the historic 126 State Street building and the new pedestrian bridge connecting it to the existing ACC. Architectural design is being led by Cooper Carry of Atlanta and Van Aukin Eakins of Cleveland.
The project is supported by a $10 million grant from New York State through Empire State Development and the Capital Region Economic Development Council (CREDC). It is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) initiative, a $400 million effort to revitalize downtown Albany.
Since opening in 2017, the ACC has hosted more than 1,200 events, drawing over 660,000 visitors, generating $100 million in visitor spending, and adding more than 138,000 hotel room nights to the region. The expansion is expected to allow the center to accommodate larger conferences, trade shows, corporate events, and sporting events.
Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight said the project will help drive economic activity and attract larger-scale events to the city, while Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan highlighted its role in downtown revitalization.
The Albany Capital Center expansion will integrate modern design with the city’s existing architecture and is expected to strengthen the facility’s position as a regional convention hub while supporting local tourism and economic growth.
