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The demolition of Albany's Central Warehouse is progressing, with crews currently focused on asbestos removal. The building, long considered an eyesore, is located near Amtrak railroad tracks, which prevents the use of a wrecking ball or explosives. Instead, crews will use robotic "munchers" to dismantle the structure piece by piece.
The demolition, led by the Advance Albany County Alliance, began after Governor Kathy Hochul announced $11.6 million in state funding in August 2025. The project is expected to be completed by early 2027. According to NEWS10, cold weather has slowed asbestos remediation, as freezing temperatures affect the water vapor used in the process. Crews have employed portable heaters to combat this issue.
Despite setbacks, the demolition is moving forward without opposition. Kevin O’Connor, CEO of the Advance Albany County Alliance, noted that no one has opposed the project during public hearings. The demolition is being closely monitored to ensure safety, with third-party contractors overseeing air quality.
The demolition process has faced challenges, including a lawsuit over the bidding process. However, CBS6 Albany reports that the lawsuit has been dropped, allowing work to continue. The county is contributing $3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to cover the $14.6 million cost.
County Executive Dan McCoy emphasized the importance of safety, stating that the project should not be rushed to avoid health risks from asbestos exposure. The demolition is expected to conclude by late 2026 or early 2027, just before the building's 100th anniversary.