Could a single structure truly embody the spirit of an entire state, holding within its walls the echoes of governance, history, and the aspirations of a community? The Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, a towering presence in downtown Albany, New York, offers a resounding "yes." This iconic building, more than just a place of work, serves as a tangible representation of New York's past, present, and enduring legacy.
The building, officially known as the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, and often referred to as the Smith Building, stands as a testament to the enduring strength and influence of the state. Located in the heart of Albany, across from the New York State Capitol and near the One Commerce Plaza, its presence is both imposing and inviting. Completed in 1928 and dedicated in 1930, the building has a history of housing New York State government offices, serving as a vital hub for the state's administrative functions. Its art deco design, once boasting it as the tallest building between New York City and Chicago, adds a unique character to Albany's skyline, complementing the nearby State Capitol and the State Education Building.
The edifice, a prominent feature of the government center, holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. Every detail, from its height to the engraving of the names of every county in New York State around its perimeter, speaks to the state's identity and its enduring commitment to its people. It isn't just a structure; it's a symbol.
The Smith Building is also a repository of the state's history. Originally known as the State Office Building, it was renamed in 1945 to honor former Governor Alfred E. Smith. A historical marker outside the building further solidifies its place in the historical context, with a marker erected in 1940. This landmark continues to welcome visitors and employees, serving as a reminder of the impact made by the former governor.
The story of the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building is closely interwoven with the city of Albany itself. Constructed between 1927 and 1930, it was a watershed moment, marking Albany's emergence as a modern city with its first skyscraper. Today, it stands as Albany's second tallest building after the Erastus Corning Tower, further enhancing its place in the city's skyline. Its prominence is enhanced by its proximity to the Empire State Plaza, a location recommended by the Office of General Services (OGS) for parking. The building's location, at 80 South Swan Street, Albany, NY 12210, places it at the center of New York State operations.
The building offers many services to its visitors. For any media inquiries, requests for language access, or accessibility needs, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services can be contacted. The building itself has security protocols and the Office of General Services recommends the usage of parking lots for the public. The building serves as the home for state offices, including the Office of General Counsel of the NYS Office of Victim Services. The Division of Criminal Justice Services offers different contact details, which are useful to the building's visitors. Building is also surrounded by some major landmarks that are part of the city's culture.
The Smith Building also accommodates a variety of state agencies and departments. From the Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (OPCA) to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, the building is a hub of activity and administrative operations. The OPCA, for example, welcomes feedback and questions, and directs all correspondence to the Director of the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, located at the Smith Building. Similarly, the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services is the point of contact for media inquiries, language access, and accessibility requests.
Here's a summary in the form of a table to give you a better understanding:
Key Feature | Details |
---|---|
Official Name | Alfred E. Smith State Office Building |
Common Names | Smith Building, State Office Building (formerly) |
Location | 80 South Swan Street, Albany, NY 12210, across from the New York State Capitol |
Construction | 1927-1930 |
Dedication | 1930 |
Floors | 34 |
Height | 388 feet (Albany's second tallest) |
Architectural Style | Art Deco |
Historical Significance | Renamed in 1945 to honor former Governor Alfred E. Smith |
Current Use | Houses New York State government offices |
Nearby Landmarks | New York State Capitol, Empire State Plaza, State Education Building, One Commerce Plaza |
Noteworthy Feature | Names of all New York State counties engraved around the building's perimeter. |
Parking | Recommended to park in the Empire State Plaza's visitor parking lots. |
Contact Information | For media inquiries, language access, and accessibility requests, contact NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services. |
For further details on the Empire State Plaza parking options, including costs and hours, one can explore the relevant resources. The building also provides information on the visitor parking options for the empire state plaza. For those interested in the ongoing operations and public project updates, BBL can be contacted. The Smith Building is located in the heart of Albany's government center, alongside the State Capitol and the Education Building.
Furthermore, the Smith Building is the location for the Office of General Counsel and the NYS Office of Victim Services. For information on legal services or advice, the New York State Bar Association may be contacted. The Division of Criminal Justice Services is available for all media inquiries, language access, and accessibility requests. The Division of Criminal Justice Services cannot offer legal advice or legal services. Additionally, information about public defense organizations in New York can be found through a directory search.



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