SUNY Plaza, Albany
SUNY Plaza, locally referred to as "The Castle" or "D&H Plaza," was originally constructed for the Delaware & Hudson Railroad Company. Its striking design, characterized by Gothic architectural elements, includes a central tower that rises thirteen stories and is crowned by an 8-foot-tall working weathervane modeled after Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon.
The building serves as the central administrative headquarters for the State University of New York (SUNY) system, underscoring its significance in the state's educational framework. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 as the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Company Building, it also contributes to the Downtown Albany Historic District, designated in 1980. The structure spans several sections, with its north to south expanse comprising at least six distinct parts, including a former undecorated warehouse and a square tower with four corner turrets connected diagonally to the central tower.
Architectural details of the building reflect Albany's Dutch heritage, despite its primary Gothic style. The gables feature coats of arms from notable Dutch families, including Albany's first mayor, Pieter Schuyler. Additionally, inscriptions of names and dates of prominent printers, such as William Caxton, on the Albany Evening Journal building facade, blend historical elements into the overall design. This integration of Gothic and Dutch motifs not only highlights the building's aesthetic appeal but also its cultural and historical significance in Albany.
The building serves as the central administrative headquarters for the State University of New York (SUNY) system, underscoring its significance in the state's educational framework. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 as the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Company Building, it also contributes to the Downtown Albany Historic District, designated in 1980. The structure spans several sections, with its north to south expanse comprising at least six distinct parts, including a former undecorated warehouse and a square tower with four corner turrets connected diagonally to the central tower.
Architectural details of the building reflect Albany's Dutch heritage, despite its primary Gothic style. The gables feature coats of arms from notable Dutch families, including Albany's first mayor, Pieter Schuyler. Additionally, inscriptions of names and dates of prominent printers, such as William Caxton, on the Albany Evening Journal building facade, blend historical elements into the overall design. This integration of Gothic and Dutch motifs not only highlights the building's aesthetic appeal but also its cultural and historical significance in Albany.
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SUNY Plaza on Map
Sight Name: SUNY Plaza
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Albany, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Albany
Creating your own self-guided walk in Albany is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Albany Introduction Walking Tour
Albany, the state capital of New York, is a small city with a storied canvas that holds a significant place in the narrative of New York and the broader United States.
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Albany's Historical Buildings Tour
Albany is steeped in history and architectural splendor, featuring a varied collection of buildings that mirror its diverse and layered past. The city鈥檚 architecture ranges from majestic government edifices to prominent educational establishments, highlighting Albany鈥檚 role as a key political and cultural center.
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles