New Wayfinding Signage System Launches Downtown
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) celebrated the launch of its Capital Wayfinding Program on Wednesday, May 14. The event featured Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the BID, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Sean Palladino, Executive Director of the Albany Parking Authority, and federal, state, and city officials who gathered to celebrate this new initiative to improve navigation in downtown Albany.
The Capital Wayfinding Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was awarded by the City of Albany COVID Recovery Taskforce. The 69 new signs—including pedestrian kiosks, vehicular guides, and parking trailblazers—are expected to be fully installed within the next few weeks. The program aims to help residents, employees, and visitors better navigate Downtown and discover all that the capital city has to offer.
The new signage replaces older, antiquated signs that did not reflect Department of Transportation standards and were nearing the end of their service life. The new system is also larger in scope, more than doubling the number of signs included in the previous system.
The updated wayfinding signage features many new destinations that enhance the vibrancy of the Downtown neighborhood, including the Albany Capital Center, the renamed MVP Arena, the Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center, Clinton Market Collective, Albany Skyway, Albany Firefighters Museum, the Irish American Heritage Museum, USS Slater, and more.
The informational kiosks and pedestrian guides highlight Albany's history with interesting facts about notable residents and visitors, successful businesses and inventions, as well as local culture and entertainment. They also incorporate Downtown's "Alb To The Core" branding, provide compelling stats about the neighborhood, and direct users to the BID’s website to learn more about events, entertainment, dining, and shopping in the District.
Detailed maps of Downtown include listings for restaurants, retailers, banks, churches, and attractions, and offer a better understanding of how to access the riverfront and public garages, encouraging additional exploration and reinforcing the walkability of the neighborhood.
The City of Albany COVID Recovery Taskforce allocated $643,620 in ARPA funds for the fabrication and installation of the wayfinding signage. Additionally, the Albany Parking Authority contributed $111,000 for the complete fabrication and installation of the parking signs, while the Downtown Albany BID covered the remaining balance of the total project cost. The total cost of the project was $979,484.17. Corbin Design and SSC Signs & Lighting were selected through a competitive bidding process to lead the design and fabrication of the wayfinding signage system.
In addition to the wayfinding signage, the Capital Wayfinding Program includes an Ambassador Program that commenced in May 2023. Albany Ambassadors greet visitors and Downtown employees during lunchtime and at events, providing directions and information to ensure a welcoming experience in the core of Albany. This employment program also offers opportunities for homeless or formerly homeless individuals to develop their skills, earn an income, and build a reputable work history with support from the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH). The COVID Recovery Taskforce awarded $200,680 in ARPA funds for this seasonal, multi-year program.
The City of Albany was allocated approximately $80.7 million as part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to address lost revenues, cover COVID-related expenses, and mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic. On March 12, 2021, Mayor Sheehan announced the formation of a COVID Recovery Task Force to ensure that the city effectively maximizes available resources for residents, businesses, and community organizations, enabling Albany to restart and build back better. Mayor Sheehan appointed Mike Whalen, Senior Vice President of M&T Bank and Jahkeen Hoke, CEO and Co-Founder of 4th Family Inc, as Co-Chairs of this taskforce.
The Taskforce’s support of the Capital Wayfinding Program will pay dividends for years to come. The project is expected to lead to longer visit times Downtown, foster exploration of the area's architecture, history, and retail and restaurant establishments, and provide an additional sense of safety and ease while navigating the District’s beautiful city streets.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: "After over a decade of fighting for this project to come to life, today the Downtown BID has unveiled another asset to our Downtown. People visiting downtowns across the country rely on wayfinding tools to know where to go, to learn more about where they are visiting, and to enhance their experience. The City of Albany is proud to have invested a portion of our APRA funding to make this project a reality. With the $400 million investment from the State and Governor Hochul, the installation of this signage will reaffirm Downtown's vibrancy, diversity, and history, while further validating their decision to invest in Albany. Thank you to the Downtown BID and the COVID Recovery Task Force for using this funding to enhance our Downtown."
Sean Palladino, Executive Director of the Albany Parking Authority, said: "The Albany Parking Authority is proud to have invested in the Capital Wayfinding Program to enhance the navigation experience for everyone who visits our city. These signs improve visibility of the parking options we provide, helping to alleviate some of the challenges faced by visitors, commuters, and residents when navigating Downtown. We are thankful the federal government provided ARPA funds that allowed us to initiate this project, and to the City for recognizing and supporting its value. This program plays a vital role in supporting tourism in Albany and contributes to a more seamless, welcoming experience for all."
Georgette Steffens, Downtown Albany BID Executive Director, said: "This new comprehensive wayfinding signage system is a game changer for downtown Albany. As one of the oldest cities in the country, we boast a unique and extensive inventory of cultural and heritage assets, diverse neighborhoods, landmarks, parks, locally owned small businesses, and numerous amenities. Now, when visitors or employees need assistance navigating our vibrant city, we provide a clear guide to parking, attractions, restaurants, and much more. We are extremely grateful to Mayor Sheehan and the COVID Recovery Taskforce for supporting this initiative, and to President Biden's American Rescue Plan for providing the funds that allowed us to launch this much-needed project."
