Old Albany Academy Building

The Old Albany Academy Building is a three-story brownstone with symmetrical windows, a columned central entrance, and a bell tower rising from its center. The structure displays federal-style architecture with carefully balanced proportions throughout its facade.

The Academy was founded in 1813 and moved to this Philip Hooker-designed building in 1817 under Mayor Philip S. Van Rensselaer's administration. This relocation marked the start of the institution's presence in this architecturally significant location.

The building reflects how Americans valued education in the early 1800s through its deliberate architectural design. Today it functions as the headquarters for Albany City School District, showing how it remains tied to the community's educational mission.

The building stands at 112 State Street in Albany within the Lafayette Park Historic District, surrounded by other government buildings. Its downtown location makes it easy to find and allows you to explore nearby historic structures in the same district.

Scientist Joseph Henry conducted groundbreaking electromagnetic research in this building during the 1820s, work that contributed to telegraph development. These early scientific discoveries made this location important in the history of American scientific progress.

Location: Albany

Inception: 1815

Architects: Philip Hooker

Part of: Lafayette Park Historic District

GPS coordinates: 42.65278,-73.75472

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:43