The Albany Damien Center
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ALbany Damien Center’s CUrrent Property on Madison Avenue
Many Albany buildings have supported the stories of organizations and people significant to the greater Albany community. As part of the We Save Albany’s Stories project, the Albany Damien Center has provided a look into these stories through the historic structures it has operated from.
“the Damien Center is a resource center designed to improve health, reduce stress and increase the quality of life in a supportive atmosphere for individuals and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. ”
The COnclusion of the Grace & Holy Innocents Church construction ca. 1970
The Albany Damien Center, founded in 1988, first operated from the Grace & Holy Innocents Church at the intersection of Clinton and Robin Avenues. This 3 story brick structure was one of roughly 500 mid-to-late 19th century buildings within the area. The original property was sold in 1875 by owner John McPherson. McPherson was a farmer living just on the North side of Clinton who had held the vacant property since at least 1840. The brick structure boasts a round-headed window above the entryway, a flat roofline, a side tower with rectangular windows, and a triple arch above these windows.
In September of 1998, the Damien Center purchased a late 19th and 20th century Queen Anne Revival Victorian at 12 South Lake Avenue. The property had been home to Family & Children’s Services for nearly 30 years before the purchase. Constructed in the early 1900s, the 3 story brick building included a clipped front-gable roof with a segmental roof dormer and slate shingles. A wide wooden porch with broken pediment and brackets stood above the main entrance way. This porch was upheld by square piers and balusters with a paneled lattice under skirting and was accompanied by wooden front steps. Both the first and second floors had oriel windows and the property displayed cornice with overhanging eaves supported by corner brackets.
12 South Lake Property prior to the 2013 fire
In August of 2013, the South Lake Property tragically burned down. The cause of fire remains unknown but it is likely to have started in the basement food storage room. Within about 45 minutes, the property and its contents were lost to the Damien Center, and the organization was forced to relocate. The Damien Center briefly operated from the First Lutheran Church on Western Avenue. This building was constructed in 1927 and had been in use since 1929, making First Lutheran the second oldest church in Albany. The congregation was very welcoming, and their partnership allowed the Damien Center to continue providing essential services.
“The congregation was very welcoming, and their partnership allowed the Damien Center to continue providing essential services.”
The Albany Damien Center then purchased its current property on Madison Avenue. The original property consisted of a two story Italianate style house with a hipped roof, center gable, and symmetrical front- facing windows. The property was later adjusted to include vinyl siding, new windows, doors, and entryways, and a new side entrance.
Original Italiante structure prior to the 2016 renovations
The building was constructed in 1875 for the family of Painter John Palmer. Following his death, ownership was transferred to Palmer’s wife, Margaret, but the property was then sold in 1910 to the Vice President of Ryan & Graves Insurance, Samuel C Harcourt. Harcourt and his wife occupied the property and allowed Margaret to remain there as a boarder. It was then converted into a meeting-house for the Church of Latter Day Saints. The building was vacant for over 10 years before the Albany Damien Center purchased the property and restored the original porch, painted brick exterior, and attic window.
“In 2016, the Albany Damien Center renovated the original Italianate house and built new structures to provide more services”
In 2016, the Albany Damien Center renovated the original Italianate house and built new structures to provide more services. With the resulting three story addition to the property, the Damien center now includes twenty units of residential apartments for homeless individuals with HIV/AIDS. The addition works in tandem with the historic two story building to provide ample space and resources for those in need.
by Alexa Moynihan
Original structure with renovation plan ca. 2016
Renovation of 728 Madison Avenue 2016