Long-Vacant Albany Hotel Will Fly Marriott Flag

ALBANY-Total vacancy is no fate for an iconic hotel, but that has been the lot of the Dewitt Clinton in downtown Albany since 1975. That's set to change, however, as Columbia Development and BBL Hospitality have announced plans to transform the circa-1927 landmark into a Renaissance by Marriott.

The news comes a week after the Albany Convention Center Authority announced plans to build an 80,000-square-foot facility behind the DeWitt Clinton. If the convention center—which now faces a four-month approvals process—is built, the 204-key Renaissance Albany will serve it. There is also the nearby Albany Hilton, which was recently renovated.

Part of the projected $48-million cost of renovating the DeWitt Clinton into a Renaissance Hotel will come from New York State, via a $4-million designation through the Empire State Development Corp.'s Upstate Regional Blueprint Fund.  It's the same amount that was committed four years ago by then-Gov. David Paterson when plans were announced to redevelop the property into an Embassy Suites Hotel with conference and ballroom space.

“The renovation of this key property at the top of State Street is a critical next step forward for the continued revitalization of downtown Albany,” says Mike Yevoli, president and commissioner of planning and development at Capitalize Albany Corp. “We have seen tremendous expansion in the hospitality industry in downtown over the past 10 years as interest in Albany, specifically downtown, has continued to grow. Private investments like these, with the aid of public sector support, will keep people coming back to our city.”

Columbia Development has been a key player in revitalizing the city's downtown. This past May, the company announced plans to transform two of the five long-abandoned buildings on Wellington Row into office and residential space.

Coupled with that announcement, says company president Joseph Nicolla, the plan to renovate the DeWitt Clinton “continues the confirmation that State Street is the economic, commercial and residential foundation for downtown Albany. We are very pleased to work with local leaders to continue renovating the city's abandoned landmarks, and stay tuned for more exciting announcements regarding the Upper State Street 'Renaissance.' ” Construction on the Albany Renaissance is expected to begin in the fall and be completed in 2015.