New York State Capitol
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The New York State Capitol is a massive building with many awe-inspiring features. It makes a bold, self-assured statement about the state's power and wealth. Even though it's surrounded by other notable buildings in downtown Albany, it's grandeur is not diminished in the least.
The building's interior contains long, tiled halls, lofty ceilings, robust archways, heavy wooden doors, and rich decorative touches. In addition to the marvels of the Senate and House chambers, the three large and lavishly decorated stone stairways—not least of which is The Great Western Staircase—are especially noteworthy.
The history of the New York State Capitol's construction is long and full of controversy. Begun in 1867 to replace a smaller building that the state government had outgrown, major construction continued until 1899. The building was declard complete even though it was never truly finished according to the plans. Four chief architects had a hand in designing the building and the structure is sometimes criticized for being something of a hodgepodge of the various styles.
The first architect, Thomas Fuller, conceived of the building in a Renaissance style using the Hôtel de Ville in Paris as a model. The building was begun according to Fuller's plan, but after much delay and expense, Fuller was ultimately dismissed.
Prior to Fuller's dismissal, Henry Hobson Richardson had been appointed to an advisory board along with Leopold Eidlitz and Fredrick Law Olmsted. The advisory board criticized Fuller's design and drew up plans of their own which were then accepted over Fuller's work. The new plans called for fundamental changes which resulted in the building's exterior becoming a mixture of Renaissance and Romanesque styles.
In 1883 Grover Cleveland became Governor of New York. After reviewing the cost of construction, he hired Isaac Perry to take over its direction. Perry was responsible for completing the building, although Eidlitz and Richardson remained consultants on the project and their influence continued.
The New York State Capitol was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1979. It is still used by the state legislature which performs much of its duties there. The building is currently undergoing large scale renovations.
Location
Washington Ave and State Street
Albany, NY 12247
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