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City School
District of Albany

HIGH SCHOOL REDESIGN

City School 
District of Albany

HIGH SCHOOL REDESIGN

A long-term planning process to reimagine the future of Albany High School laid the foundation for a $179 million, multi-phased project that will renovate the existing footprint and add more than 250,000 square feet of new space to accommodate a projected enrollment increase of 3,00 students.

This project truly embodies ‘All in for Albany.' This new building is a critical part of our collective efforts to increase student success at Albany High School and across the district.”

Kaweeda Adams, Superintendent of Schools at the City School District of Albany
Library/Media Center

Phase 3 of the project, completed in the fall of 2022, created a moderized and enlarged library that now serves as the hub of the school with high ceilings, natural and LED lighting, flexible furniture, and adjacent breakout spaces. 

Expanded Auditorium

The previous auditorium was demolished to make way for a new performance space with modern acoustic panels, upgraded sound and lighting technology, a new stage, and accessible seating. A second story balcony was constructed to maximize seating capacity for school productions.

Cosmetology Suite

The new cosmetology suite brings the atmosphere of a true salon into a classroom setting, accommodating the growth in the school's cosmetology program and providing space for both practical and hands-on lessons.

Career & Technical Education

As part of a goal to mirror college-level curriculum and promote career readiness, the new CTE wing offers a renovated health science classroom, automative technology lab, and building trades classroom. 

Kaweeda Adams, Superintendent of Schools at the City School District of Albany, talks about the transformative renovation at Albany High School.

Art and Music Addition

Phase 2 constructed a new two-story, 39,000 square foot addition to house the high school's art and music departments. The addition features floor-to-ceiling windows for abundant natural light, large instruction and rehearsal spaces, enhanced technology and acoustics, and seamlessly integrates architecture and engineering to maximize health and well-being.

New Academic Building

A new three-story, 120,000 square-foot academic addition was a major element of Phase 1. Bright classroom spaces, breakout rooms, science labs, and dedicated guidance suites support each of the 5 learning academies at Albany High School. 

Project Scope

The City School District of Albany faced a critical need to raise achievement for all students and significantly increase graduation rates. Its high school previously operated in an aging facility on a campus that did not incorporate critical academic programs such as career and technical education, or outdoor facilities for most varsity athletic teams.

Driving the project is a mission to ensure educational equity for all students, offer new opportunities for learning and engagement, and address the ever-evolving needs of 21st century education. The redesign encompasses renovations to approximately 300,400 sf of existing space and nearly 242,600 sf of new construction to support a projected enrollment increase of 3,000 students. 

Location

Albany, NY


Size

570,000 SF


Estimated Completion Date

2025


Awards

Citation Design Award, American Institute of Architects, Eastern NY Chapter, 2017


Program

General Classrooms, Safety and Security, Arts, Library Media Center, Career and Technical Education, Infrastructure, Athletics

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