W. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus

The W. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus is a government complex with 16 structures spread across 330 acres in western Albany designed to house state administration. The site combines office towers, lower administrative buildings, and open green spaces into one functioning workspace.

Development of the campus began in 1956 with the first building and expanded through the 1960s during Nelson Rockefeller's governorship. This growth period shaped the layout and appearance that visitors see today.

The campus hosts regular seasonal events including summer food vendor programs and monthly craft shows in the courtyard between Buildings 4, 5, and 8a. These public activities bring life to what is otherwise focused on administrative work.

Multiple bus lines operated by the Capital District Transportation Authority connect the campus to different areas of Albany and surrounding regions. The site is laid out on relatively flat terrain, making it easier to walk between buildings, though distances can be considerable.

An underground command center beneath the campus houses the State Emergency Management Office, engineered to keep operating during emergencies and critical events. This hidden facility demonstrates the state's extensive preparation for potential crises.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 42.67950,-73.80950

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03