Historic Albany Foundation Statement on the Devastating Fire at the Kenwood Convent
/We are heartbroken at the destruction of the Kenwood Convent to a devastating fire.
The Albany Fire Department, Police Department, and other first responders, who remain on the still smoldering site, worked heroically and at great personal risk to control the fire which had already engulfed the building. Their service reminds us of the personal cost and threat posed by the irresponsible actions and inaction of this property owner.
Irresponsible property owners are the recurring theme in Albany’s struggle against abandoned buildings and the loss of historic structures and neighborhoods. In the case of Kenwood, many failed sales and planned development projects have left this property vacant since 2009. The current owner, when beginning the development project, removed windows and doors for future replacement, but abandoned the project, leaving the main building open to the elements which led to significant deterioration. Despite the City’s best efforts to board up and monitor these privately owned buildings, they were plagued by vandals and squatters. Its Isolated location and the lack of any smoke alarms or security system made the buildings an easy target for those determined to get in.
In short, what comes next? Historic Albany Foundation is committed to forming a working group with the City of Albany, neighborhood associations, additional preservation groups, and other interested parties to improve approaches to the treatment and monitoring of vacant buildings and threatened historic communities. We will also be working to help shape the future of Kenwood, including both the remaining structures and the historic landscape.
Several Historic Albany representatives were on the site this morning. It is difficult to describe the devastation we witnessed and the deep sense of loss we shared with those who were there. Over the years, we have worked hard to change, create and influence the practices and policies that should preserve the built history of our city. Our commitment to this has only been reinforced by this loss and the ones that have preceded it.
