Foster Building, Hotel in den Vereinigten Staaten
The Foster Building is a six-story steel structure on State Street in Schenectady with an elaborate white glazed terra-cotta exterior. It displays Beaux-Arts design with symmetrical windows, tall columns, arches, decorative panels with leaf and garland motifs, and a detailed metal cornice at the top.
Built in 1907 as a luxury hotel, it was among the first in the city to use terra-cotta as its main exterior covering. Its construction coincided with Schenectady's rapid growth as an industrial hub driven by General Electric and related manufacturing.
The building's name reflects its role as a welcoming landmark for travelers and workers during Schenectady's industrial boom. You can see how its ornate terra-cotta details and classical style were meant to convey dignity and progress to everyone passing through the downtown.
It is located near Proctor's Theatre and other downtown landmarks, making it a good reference point for exploring the area. The surroundings are walkable, and you can appreciate the exterior details easily from the street level.
The entrance lobby features a mosaic tile floor with the initials 'FB' and geometric patterns, while walls are lined with black and white marble. These original details reveal the craftsmanship and luxury intended for the building's guests.
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