Ribbon Cutting Marks New Era for Albany’s Clinton Market Collective

Albany, NY – The Capitalize Albany Corporation held a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 1 for the Clinton Market Collective – a community-based vision that aims to establish a creative and collaborative space to welcome residents and visitors to the City of Albany. Located at 11 Clinton Avenue, this new landmark plaza is set to become a pivotal point, guiding visitors to and from Downtown Albany and the new Skyway. The new Clinton Market Collective will host start-up businesses, pop-up shops, art installations, and events.

The Clinton Market Collective is part of the broader Albany Downtown Revitalization Initiative. In this effort, GPI partnered with PLACE Alliance to provide comprehensive professional engineering services, including preliminary engineering, final design, permitting, and construction support for the $356 million redevelopment of the Clinton Ave area. Originally part of the Clinton Avenue roadbed, 11 Clinton Ave has been transformed into a vibrant public space, acting as a gateway to downtown Albany and a flexible marketplace.

Administered by Capitalize Albany and funded through a Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) grant, the project began with a market analysis component, followed by public outreach, and a conceptual design charette. GPI provided the design and engineering for the selected concept, ultimately developing final construction plans. GPI’s responsibilities encompassed site utilities such as water, sewer, fountain jet systems, electrical, stormwater management, environmental permitting, and structural engineering for retaining walls, stairs, event structures, and associated foundations.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of three major projects aimed at transforming Clinton Square into a gateway to the city. Alongside the Clinton Market Collective, the city has undertaken streetscape improvements around the park and illuminated the Livingston Avenue Railroad Bridge underpass, creating an inviting entrance along Broadway. These projects were funded by a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative awarded to the city in 2018.

The former Federal Park, now hosting the Clinton Market Collective, has transformed a drab concrete plaza into a lively community hub. Situated near the Palace Theatre and the Skyway, the revitalization project turned an I-787 ramp into a walkway, and installed pop-jet fountains with colored light displays, shade canopies, and two customizable, 20-foot-long shipping containers available for lease to local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and vendors. Other improvements include handicapped-accessible ramps, curb cuts, and electric power for food trucks. The Clinton Avenue streetscape now boasts new sidewalks, pillars, and lighting beneath the nearby railroad bridge underpass.

This comprehensive redevelopment, funded by the grant and other sources, represents a $3.5 million investment in creating a thriving, inclusive space for Albany’s community and visitors alike. The Clinton Market Collective stands as a testament to Albany’s commitment to revitalization and community engagement, promising a dynamic future for the city’s downtown area.