National Register Listing

Abrams Building

55-57 S. Pearl St., Albany, NY

The Abrams Building, constructed in I885, is a fine, largely un­altered example of late nineteenth century commercial architecture. 'The handsome brick structure with its Romanesque style detailing is one of the very few buildings in Albany’s downtown business district with an original first floor storefront. The Abrams Building is significant as a reminder of the architectural taste of the period as well as the prosperity enjoyed by downtown merchants during the late nineteenth century.

Commercial development that occurred in Albany in the early 1800'swas mainly confined to Broadway along the river and to State Street leading to roads west. With the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 and the later introduction of the railroad, Albany grew rapidly as a commercial center. Many new commercial structures replaced the small residences that were present in the downtown area. Pearl Street became a major commercial axis and extended south from State Street nearly four miles.In 1885 John M. Bigelow, a physician and professor at the Albany Medical College, constructed a four-story brick commercial structure replacing a smaller building owned by his family on the South Pearl Street corner.Although the architect is not known, the building very closely resembles the Old Albany Business College which was built two years later, to the designs of the locally prominent firm of Ogden and Wright.

The structure housed many businesses over the years including a confectionery, drug store, jewelry store, and as early as I89O, a liquor store. The meeting hall on the second floor strongly reflects the social activities of the late nineteenth century when there were over one hundred different clubs and lodges organized in Albany, Some of the different groups that used the hall were the Grand Army of the Republic, the Sons of Temperance (before the opening of the liquor store),and most recently the Elks Club.

The building has survived the neglect and demolition of neighboring structures and is one of the few surviving, unaltered structures that were commonly built in the 1880’s. With the resurgence of downtown Albany as a commercial center, it is the hope of the owner to restore the building to its former prominence.

Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture
The Hudson River School of painting, which was a 19th-century art movement that focused on landscapes and the natural world, was founded in New York State. Some of its most famous artists, such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, lived and worked in the Hudson River Valley.
New York random facts
Albany County, located in the state of New York, has a rich history that dates back to the early European settlement in the 17th century. The region was initially inhabited by the Mohican Native American tribe before Dutch explorers arrived in the early 1600s. In 1614, a trading post was established by the Dutch West India Company, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area.

In 1664, the English took control of the region and renamed it Albany, after the Duke of Albany, who would later become King James II. Albany became a significant center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along the Hudson River. The city's growth was further stimulated by the establishment of Fort Orange, a trading post that served as a vital link between the Dutch and Native Americans.

Throughout the 18th century, Albany County played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The city became a center of political activity, and in 1754, it hosted the Albany Congress, where representatives from several colonies gathered to discuss a unified response to the French threat. Albany was also a key transportation hub during the war, as troops and supplies moved along the Hudson River.

During the early 19th century, Albany County experienced significant industrial and economic development. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 connected Albany to the Great Lakes, allowing for increased trade and the growth of manufacturing industries. The city also became the capital of New York State in 1797, solidifying its position as a political and administrative center.

Today, Albany County continues to thrive as the heart of New York's Capital Region. It is known for its diverse culture, rich historical landmarks, and educational institutions such as the University at Albany. The county reflects a blend of its early Dutch and English colonial roots with modern urbanization, making it a fascinating destination with a deep historical legacy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Albany County, New York.

  • 1683 - Albany County is officially established by the Province of New York.
  • 1777 - Albany County becomes a strategic location during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1791 - The city of Albany is incorporated and becomes the county seat.
  • 1800s - Albany County experiences rapid industrialization and becomes a center for trade and transportation.
  • 1812 - The War of 1812 brings increased military activity to the county.
  • 1825 - Erie Canal opens, connecting Albany County to the Great Lakes and boosting the local economy.
  • 1846 - Albany County is divided, creating the separate county of Rensselaer.
  • 1883 - The State Capitol building in Albany is completed.
  • 1936 - The Albany County Airport (now Albany International Airport) opens.
  • 1972 - The Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is completed in Albany.
  • 1998 - Albany County celebrates its 315th anniversary.