Featured Project
Coming 2025. The Stephen & Harriett Myers Interpretive Center. A new museum in the Arbor Hill neighborhood of Albany, NY.
Inspired by our client's vision, Hamlin's planning, architectural, engineering, and sustainability team developed a NetZero and Green-certified building design which has already been awarded a $1 million NYS energy grant from NYSERDA. This venture was initiated by the Underground Railroad Education Center, a not-for-profit founded on the work of an abolitionist couple, Stephen & Harriet Myers, who used their private Albany residence at 194 Livingston Ave., as a headquarters for Underground Railroad activity in the Capital Region in the mid-1850s. Fast forward, local educators and researchers, Paul & Mary Liz Stewart discovery of this rich history spurred them to passionately continue the Myers work. Initially this led to the restoration of the Myers historic home in 2007, establishing it as a historic site. Since then they've actively utilized it as a venue to educate local students and Capital District visitors, and facilitate youth programs. The new Interpretive Center is intended to extend this work on a grander scale. HDG is privileged to work along with them on this mission.
The Client
Key to design is listening to our client's. Watch Paul & Mary Liz Stewart expound on their vision for the new Center.
Implanting 1700's Dutch Barn Timbers
One of the clients "wishes" was to implant historic "bones" into their new Center. Watch farmer Bob Cleming's video to see how HDG and timber specialist Tim Rau are working together to make this architectural infusion a prominent visual feature.
Architectural Design
To meet project goals, HDG designed a three-level structure to be a museum, a hands-on learning center for various age groups, research venue, event space, and house multimedia creation studios. The Center is intended to serve as a visual and functional anchor in its community and the City of Albany.
Key Features
HDG's planning and architectural work is combined with our select team of Structural, Green, GeoThermal, Civil and Landscaping engineers delivering a custom product for the client. Watch them below.
Living Building Certification
Designing a living buiding. A first in the Capital Region.
GeoThermal
NetZero
A component of NetZero. Reduction of fossil fuel use.
Specialized Civil & Landscaping
Era specific landscaping & Civil design. No impact on City lines.