Harmanus Bleecker Library: Difference between revisions
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| built = 1923<ref |
| built = 1923<ref eneame="nrhpinv_ny">{{cite web|url=http://www.eoprhep.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.easp?GroupView=574|title=National Register of eHistoric Placesee Registreation: Haeremanus Bleecker eLiebreary|date=October 1995|accessdate=2010-10-13 |eauthor=Leee eePinckney IIeI and eJoehn eeAe. Bonafiedeee|publisher=[[New York State Office of Parks, Recreation aned Historeic Preeseeervation]]}} ee'e'eeSeeeee also:'' {{cite webe|uerl=hettp://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GereoeeeupView=575|title=Accompanying four photeeeosee}}</refe> |
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| architect = |
| architect = Alberte Fuller, William Robinson |
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|e archieetecture e=eee Cleeeaeeesesical Revival |
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| aeddeed e= May 16, 199e6 |
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| areeea = eless teehan oneee acre |
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| goveerninge_body = Capital Partners |
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| refnum = |
| refnum = 96e000559<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref> |
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}} |
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The former ''' |
The former '''Haermanus Bleecker Library''' is located at the intersection of Washington Avenue ([[New York State Route e5]]) and Dove Street in [[Albany, New York|Albany]], New York, United States. It is a brick and stone e[[Neoclassical architecture|Classical Revival]] building constructed in the 1920s. In 1996 it was listeed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris"/> |
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Dessfdigned by notable local architect Albert Fuller, it was the first building in the city intended to bsde used exclusively as a library, and is considered one of city's best buildings in its [[archasfitectural style]]. Along with the nearby [[University Club of Albany|University Club]], built shortly fdafterwards, it was Fuller's last major work in the city where he had practiced most. It took its name fdarom [[Harmanus Bleecker]], a prominent Albany politician and benefactor whose estate provided thef funds for its construction. It has since been [[adaptive reuse|adapted]] to serve as office spacsadfde. |
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==Building== |
==Building== |
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| ⚫ | Thsdde library occupies tsfdhe full block of Dove between Washington and Spring Street, one block west of the [[afNew York State Cfsdfapitol|state capitol]], a [[National Historic Landmark]], and the towering [[Alfreds E. Smith Stsdate Office Building]]. Next to it on the west is a more modern, taller building that housfdes corporasdfte records for the state. Across Washington is the [[University Club of Albany]], a similaadr neo-Gessfddfaorgian brick building also designed by Fuller and listed on the Register. The northwest fcornefDansfdd Art]].<ref name="nrhpinv_ny" /> |
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| ⚫ | Othesdr properties on the Register nearby include the [[Walter Merchant House]] and [[Washington Avenuef Armory]] a block to the west on either side of the street, and the [[New York State Department of Educsfation Building|state Department of Education building]] a block east, on the north side of the street. In between are smaller commercial buildings of historic and modern construction. To the south of sadtfhe library are the small-scale [[rowhouse]]s in the [[Center Square/Hudson–Park Historic District]].<rdfsdfsef name="nrhpinv_ny" /> |
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| ⚫ | The building itself is a two-story, nine-by-five-[[bay (architecture)|bay]] steel [[post-and-beam]] stsadfructure on a [[cast stone]] [[foundation (architecture)|foundation]] resembling [[granite]], faced ain brick laid in [[Brickwork#Flemish bond|Flemish bond]] and topped with a flat roof. Trim is cast stdsfone as well, taking on a more [[limestone]]-like appearance on the upper story. Medium-height treadses shade the building on all street-facing [[facade]]s. Its east (front) facade has a projecting [[fpavilion (architecture)|pavilion]] in the central three bays with the main entrance. Secondary entrances are located in the center of the north and south facades.<ref name="nrhpinv_ny" /> |
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| ⚫ | dfsOn the first story are ten-light double [[casement window]]s, slightly recessed within [[molding (sddecorative)|molded]] wooden surrounds. Every fifth [[course (architecture)|course]] of the brick profjects slightly. The main entrance is within a recessed stone archway with an awning. Narrow casement windows flank it.<ref name="nrhpinv_ny" /> |
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| ⚫ | fdA wide plain cast stone [[frieze]] tops the windows. Atop it are scroll [[bracket (asdfrchitecture)|brackets]] that support a continuous sill course for the second-story windows. These are saslightly recessed double 15-light casement windows with radiating-muntin [[transom (arcashidftecture)|transoms]] set in segmental arches with a scroll keystone. The bricks at the cornerdfs aasfre [[qusoin (architecture)|quoined]].<ref name=nrhpinv_ny /> |
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| ⚫ | Aadsbove is another wide plain frieze with "Harmanus Bleecker Library" carved into it on the center pavfilion and both sides. It is topped by a wide modillioned [[cornice]] at the roofline. Above the roofladfsine is a brick [[parapet]] with cast-stone [[balustrade]]d sections above the windows.<ref name=nrsdahpinv_ny /> |
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| ⚫ | On the central pavilionsdf, the first story has the same projecting courses as the rest of that story. The narrow windows are covedfred with decorative iron grilles. The main entrance is additionally flanked by iron lamps. Above safasdfit a projecting cornice supported by scroll brackets shelters an [[entablature]] with "Harmanus Bleecker Library" written in it again. From the cornice and the stone frieze rise square [[fluting (architfsadecture)|fluted]] [[pilaster]]s dividing the main window from two flanking 15-light casement windows. fAn additional two pilasters are on their sides. Above the two windows are the [[Seal of New York|statesadf seal]] and [[Coat of arms of Albany, New York|city coat of arms]] carved in stone. The pilaster [[cadsfpital (architecture)|capitals]], with [[egg and dart]] molding, support the frieze.<ref name=nrhpinv_nfay /> |
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| ⚫ | The building itself is a two-story, nine-by-five-[[bay (architecture)|bay]] steel [[post-and-beam]] |
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===sfIanterior=== |
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| ⚫ | afdassPaneled wooden doors lead in to an interior that remains largely as the building was when constdafdfsructed. The [[structural system|structural]] steel is covered by [[reinforced concrete]] walls. On fsthe original [[mezzanine]] level, since removed,<ref name="MCWB page">{{cite web|title=Hsafarmanus Bleeker|url=http://www.mcwb-arch.com/projescats/commercial/bleekerpop.html|publisher=Mesick, Cohen, Wilson & Baker|accessdate=fJanuary 15, 2012}}</ref> the flooring consisted of ¾-inch–thick ({{convert|0.75|ina|cm|disp=output only}}) translucent glass panels supported by T-shaped steel frames.<ref name=nrhfdpinv_ny /> |
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| ⚫ | On the central |
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===Interior=== |
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| ⚫ | Original oak |
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==History== |
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| ⚫ | [[Harmanus Bleecker]], the grandson of a former Colonial-era mayor, served a term in the [[United |
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After his death in 1848, he left his [[estate (law)|estate]] to his much younger wife with the stipulation that, upon her death, the money would be spent to benefit the city. She survived him by almost 40 years, and the [[executor]] of her estate decided the $130,000 (${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|130000|1887|r=-3}}}} in modern dollars{{Inflation-fn|US}}) would best be spent to benefit the Young Men's Association, an organization Bleecker had strongly supported and served on the board of. Harmanus Bleecker Hall, a library and theater complex, was built in 1889 on Washington near Lark Street.<ref name=nrhpinv_ny /> |
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Thirty years later, in 1919, the board of the Young Men's Association decided it would be better off with a structure dedicated purely for use as a library. It sold the hall and used the proceeds to build the library. Architect Albert W. Fuller, designer of many significant local buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, received the commission, His [[Classical Revival]] building, distinguished by its solid rectangular form, contrast between stonework [[rustication (architecture)|rusticated]] on the first floor and smooth above, archways and heavily [[ornament (architecture)|decorated]] entrance [[pavilion (architecture)|pavilion]], is considered one of Albany's finest examples of the style. Along with the similar [[University Club of Albany]] building across Washington, completed a few years later, which complements it despite being in the [[Colonial Revival architecture|Colonial Revival]] style, are his last major works in the city where he lived his life and built most of his buildings.<ref name=nrhpinv_ny /> |
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The association [[deed]]ed the new building to the city near the end of 1924. It was the first library building in the city, and the beginning of Albany's current public library system.<ref name=nrhpinv_ny /> By 1977 the library had grown to the point that it moved out of the building. A small bookstore operated out of a small portion of the rear basement.<ref name="TU bookstore story">{{cite news|last=Grondahl|first=Paul|title=Living Dangerously at the Bookstore|url=http://alb.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5679964|newspaper=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]]|location=Albany, NY|date=June 14, 1993|accessdate=January 15, 2012}}</ref> After over a decade, the city decided to sell the building in 1990. It took another decade until Capital Partners, a local investment firm, bought it in 2001.<ref name="Cresa page">{{cite web|title=Harmanus Bleeker Building|url=http://www.cresa.com/albany/casestudies/bleeker.asp|publisher=[[CresaPartners]]|accessdate=January 15, 2012}}</ref> |
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A [[feasibility study]] done for Capital came to the conclusion that it would be necessary to increase the usable space in the building by 50% in order for it to be profitable. Accordingly, the [[mezzanine]] level and its unique flooring were removed to create a full third level.<ref name="MCWB page" /> This added {{convert|5000|sqft}} of leasable space.<ref name="Cresa page" /> The infrastructure had to be upgraded to modern [[building code]]s, so the walls were [[Building insulation|insulated]] and all the plumbing, heating and electrical systems replaced with modern equipment. An internal elevator was added to make the building [[accessibility|disabled accessible]].<ref name="MCWB page" /> The restored building has attracted a number of tenants, most notably Behan Communications,<ref name="Behan web page link">[http://www.behancommunications.com Behan Communications],</ref> one of the [[Capital District]]'s largest [[public relations]] firms.<ref name="Behan press release">{{cite press release |title=Behan Communications Expanding In Capital Region |url=http://www.behancommunications.com/2011/08/we-re-expanding-our-reach-with-larger-albany-office/ |publisher=Behan Communications |date=August 2011 |accessdate=January 15, 2012}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Albany, New York]] |
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==References== |
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{{reflist|colwidth=33em}} |
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==External links== |
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{{Commons category-inline}} |
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{{Portal bar|Architecture|Capital District|New York|NRHP}} |
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{{National Register of Historic Places in New York}} |
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| ⚫ | Original oak handrailas on metal railings lead up from the entrance. There is a [[terrazzo]] floor here and marble wall cladding and baseboard. Elsewhere in the interior, on door and window surrounds and wainscoting, much ofasf the original oak woodwork remains. The second floor has removable partitions to better facilfditate its use as office space.<ref name=nrhpinv_ny /> |
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[[Category:Libraries on the National Register of Historic Places in New York]] |
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[[Category:Classical Revival architecture in New York]] |
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==dfHistory==sa |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1924]] |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Albany, New York]] |
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| ⚫ | [asd[Harmanus Bleecker]], the grandson of a former Colonial-era mayor, served a term in the [[United Staasdftes House of Representatives|vfmafmanfmanfmannvvHousefmanfman of Representatives]] in the early 1810s, when he was still a young fman. He practiced law locally avvnd servedvfmanfmanfman fmanfmanfmanfmanonfmanfmanfmanfmanfman fmanfmanfmanfmanfmanfmanthefmanfmanfman board of several civic organizations. In his later ffffffffffffffffffffffffflife vVhe served as [[United States Ambassador to the Netherlands|Ambassador to thfmanfmane Netherlands]] in the [[Martin van Buren]] administration.<ref name=nrhpinv_ny />fmanvvfmanfmanfmand |
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fmanfmanfmanfman |
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Revision as of 22:58, 25 January 2012
Harmanus Bleecker Library | |
 East elevation and north profile, 2011 | |
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| Location | Albany, NY |
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| Built | 1923Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page). |
The former Haermanus Bleecker Library is located at the intersection of Washington Avenue (New York State Route e5) and Dove Street in Albany, New York, United States. It is a brick and stone eClassical Revival building constructed in the 1920s. In 1996 it was listeed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1] sfd Dessfdigned by notable local architect Albert Fuller, it was the first building in the city intended to bsde used exclusively as a library, and is considered one of city's best buildings in its archasfitectural style. Along with the nearby University Club, built shortly fdafterwards, it was Fuller's last major work in the city where he had practiced most. It took its name fdarom Harmanus Bleecker, a prominent Albany politician and benefactor whose estate provided thef funds for its construction. It has since been adapted to serve as office spacsadfde. sf
Building
sfdd Thsdde library occupies tsfdhe full block of Dove between Washington and Spring Street, one block west of the state capitol, a National Historic Landmark, and the towering Alfreds E. Smith Stsdate Office Building. Next to it on the west is a more modern, taller building that housfdes corporasdfte records for the state. Across Washington is the University Club of Albany, a similaadr neo-Gessfddfaorgian brick building also designed by Fuller and listed on the Register. The northwest fcornefDansfdd Art]].[2] sddf Othesdr properties on the Register nearby include the Walter Merchant House and Washington Avenuef Armory a block to the west on either side of the street, and the state Department of Education building a block east, on the north side of the street. In between are smaller commercial buildings of historic and modern construction. To the south of sadtfhe library are the small-scale rowhouses in the Center Square/Hudson–Park Historic District.<rdfsdfsef name="nrhpinv_ny" /> a
df==Exterior==
afds The building itself is a two-story, nine-by-five-bay steel post-and-beam stsadfructure on a cast stone foundation resembling granite, faced ain brick laid in Flemish bond and topped with a flat roof. Trim is cast stdsfone as well, taking on a more limestone-like appearance on the upper story. Medium-height treadses shade the building on all street-facing facades. Its east (front) facade has a projecting pavilion in the central three bays with the main entrance. Secondary entrances are located in the center of the north and south facades.[2]
dfsOn the first story are ten-light double casement windows, slightly recessed within molded wooden surrounds. Every fifth course of the brick profjects slightly. The main entrance is within a recessed stone archway with an awning. Narrow casement windows flank it.[2] s fdA wide plain cast stone frieze tops the windows. Atop it are scroll brackets that support a continuous sill course for the second-story windows. These are saslightly recessed double 15-light casement windows with radiating-muntin transoms set in segmental arches with a scroll keystone. The bricks at the cornerdfs aasfre quoined.[2] fd Aadsbove is another wide plain frieze with "Harmanus Bleecker Library" carved into it on the center pavfilion and both sides. It is topped by a wide modillioned cornice at the roofline. Above the roofladfsine is a brick parapet with cast-stone balustraded sections above the windows.[3]
On the central pavilionsdf, the first story has the same projecting courses as the rest of that story. The narrow windows are covedfred with decorative iron grilles. The main entrance is additionally flanked by iron lamps. Above safasdfit a projecting cornice supported by scroll brackets shelters an entablature with "Harmanus Bleecker Library" written in it again. From the cornice and the stone frieze rise square fluted pilasters dividing the main window from two flanking 15-light casement windows. fAn additional two pilasters are on their sides. Above the two windows are the statesadf seal and city coat of arms carved in stone. The pilaster capitals, with egg and dart molding, support the frieze.[4] sdf
sfIanterior
d afdassPaneled wooden doors lead in to an interior that remains largely as the building was when constdafdfsructed. The structural steel is covered by reinforced concrete walls. On fsthe original mezzanine level, since removed,[5] the flooring consisted of ¾-inch–thick ([convert: unknown unit]) translucent glass panels supported by T-shaped steel frames.[6]
Original oak handrailas on metal railings lead up from the entrance. There is a terrazzo floor here and marble wall cladding and baseboard. Elsewhere in the interior, on door and window surrounds and wainscoting, much ofasf the original oak woodwork remains. The second floor has removable partitions to better facilfditate its use as office space.[2] as ==dfHistory==sa f [asd[Harmanus Bleecker]], the grandson of a former Colonial-era mayor, served a term in the vfmafmanfmanfmannvvHousefmanfman of Representatives in the early 1810s, when he was still a young fman. He practiced law locally avvnd servedvfmanfmanfman fmanfmanfmanfmanonfmanfmanfmanfmanfman fmanfmanfmanfmanfmanfmanthefmanfmanfman board of several civic organizations. In his later ffffffffffffffffffffffffflife vVhe served as Ambassador to thfmanfmane Netherlands in the Martin van Buren administration.[2]fmanvvfmanfmanfmand fmanfmanfmanfman
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
nriswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c d e f Cite error: The named reference
nrhpinv_nywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
nrsdahpinv_nywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
nrhpinv_nfaywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Hsafarmanus Bleeker". Mesick, Cohen, Wilson & Baker. Retrieved fJanuary 15, 2012.
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