The Renaissance Hotel
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The premier hotel atop Wellington Row is the newly renovated Renaissance hotel. The 204-room hotel was reopened to the public in 2015 after a $48 million project completed by Columbia Development. The new hotel is built in the same location as the original DeWitt-Clinton hotel and even sports the classic entrance on the north side of the building. Opened in 1927, the building is nearing 100 years of service to the Albany area.
The hotel came into existence as the Albany area was expanding. The mansions lining State Street were converted into apartments and hotels to accommodate the growing city. Designed by famous Houston architect, Kenneth Franzheim, the hotel sported a Classical Revival and Beaux Art-inspired exterior. The central location and proximity to the capital made the hotel a hot spot for legislative action.
“The Hotel became known as the “Democrat’s Hotel” while the nearby Ten Eyck Hotel on North Pearl Street just a block and half down from the Dewitt was known as the “Republican’s Hotel.” Until the DeWitt closed in 1975 many a political deal was made in the bar and restaurant and rooms that many of them lived in during the legislative years.”
-Don Rittner, Times Union
The DeWitt served as the choice hotel in Albany until the 1970s when the first of the conversions occurred, turning the hotel into an assisted senior living facility. It served this purpose until the 80s when it was again converted to a subsidized housing facility. In 2006 the DeWitt closed its doors until 2014 when Columbia Development bought the property and began the transformation to today.
The restoration was focused on returning the hotel to its historic roots. Local artisans and skilled craftsmen worked to restore the wood and paint finishes of the lobby, elevator area, and arcade, even the original terrazzo flooring was able to be restored to its original look. The public spaces on the second floor were restored to mimic their historic role, rooms to overlook the lobby were rebuilt while the bar soffit and DJ booth were removed. The residential areas on floors 3-11 were reconfigured to maintain the 204 rooms.
Something interesting to note, the first to sign the registry of the hotel was then Governor Al Smith, however, the first overnight guest was a feral black and white cat nicknamed DeWitt Clinton jr.
The Renaissance fully restored still sits on the corner of State and Eagle street slowly but surely regaining its role as one of the top hotels in the Albany Area
By: Ethan Niles
Further Readings:
https://blog.timesunion.com/rittner/welcome-to-albanys-renaissance-hotel/5018/
