The rotting carcass of Central Warehouse, a former cold-storage facility in Albany’s downtown district, has put the “sore” in eyesore for ages. And every company that purchased it has promised they would do something to revitalize it … and the edifice just stands there, oblivious to time and oblivious to renovation.
So … now comes news that the current owners of the rotting structure plan to knock it down. This will eventually cost millions of dollars, and require asbestos abatement of an 11-story concrete structure in a neighborhood full of bars and restaurants and lofts. Not to mention the additional load in our local landfills.
But such is life, I guess.
And it reminded me of a photo I took back in 2021 of the building.
At the time I caught that photo, the owner of the building was in a battle with the city over taxes and other fees, so he decided to drape a big American flag on the building’s edifice. Sort of his version of “Don’t Tread On Me,” or something like that.
I had this earmarked for Historic Albany Foundation’s BUILT 2021 show, but I ran into a complication when it came time to print my entries for the show, and this artwork was shelved in favor of something else.
But … hmm … with the news that Central Warehouse may actually finally fall to the wrecking crane …
I might consider getting a print made of this for maybe BUILT 2024.
I mean … BUILT would take place in November, it’s February now. I would just have to decide the artwork’s appropriate size and construction. Do I go with a simple 16×20 framed print, or do I go whole-hog and print this with a metallic or an acrylic finish?
Decisions, decisions …
But I’ll tell you this. It’s nice to have options.
And this could be one HELL of an option. An option that just completely fell into my lap.
Chuck The Writer 
For years, I’ve been drawn to the mystery of this ancient structure, yet the constant presence of people kept me at bay. However, a few years back, I seized the chance to immerse myself in an adventure through the abandoned Fownes Textile Factory in Amsterdam, New York, spending an entire afternoon capturing its essence through my lens. I must say, if you ever get the chance—and the necessary permissions—I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Fownes. It’s an experience not to be missed. 🙂
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