TACTICAL REVITALIZATION PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN ALBANY NY

Project Approach, Scope of Work, and Deliverables
interventions, to prototype simulations to virtual simulation and computational design, models
framed by the data we gather in our investigations.
We aim also to imbue the Tactical Plan with authenticity. Our investigations will inform our
understanding of Albany’s assets and beloved traditions. We are committed to maintaining –
and enhancing – the spirit of the contexts in which our projects are set. We are ever mindful of
the sense of place that a design portrays and are zealous in our efforts to maintain the unique
qualities that define a city like Albany.
The impressive amount of work to date in implementing the ReCapitalize Albany plan from
2007, and its predecessor from 1996, has been inspiring. We will also build upon the exhaustive
process undertaken in formulating the Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Given our broad experience in a variety of American cities, many of whose downtowns are
experiencing analogous revitalization trends following their own decades of minimal investment
and population decline, our approach will consist of the following eight strategies:
1. Building on Your Success – Seeking to Expand the Impacts of Each Investment /
Reinvestment in the built environment
2. Recognizing then Minimizing and Ameliorating Persistent Challenges
3. Advancing a Vision Based on Clearly Expressed Goals and Strategies for Their
Advancement
4. Tailoring a Community Process to Achieve Broad Stakeholder Consensus (on Behalf of a
Bold Vision)
5. Facilitating Connectivity – Rebuilding Social and Physical Connections Across
Neighborhood Boundaries and Demographic / Social Milieus
6. Pursuing a Market Driven Process To Reaching Development Decisions
7. Properly Timing Marketing and Civic Promotion
8. Expanding Housing Types and Necessary Supporting Amenities
1. Building on Success: Reinvigorating the Existing Urban Fabric
The City leaders in Albany have recognized the unique resources they have in their city,
some of which had been otherwise ignored in decades past. An historic building stock, an
urban environment, a tradition of innovative public infrastructure provision, a center for higher
education and government, a captive daytime population and a changing demographic of
young professionals moving into the area, are all ingredients towards making downtown a
dynamic and livable environment.
Capitalize Albany has engaged City leaders, the Downtown BID and the City of Albany, among
others, to come up with programs to assist in the development of commercial and residential