We want to help everyone buy & restore historic houses in Albany, preserving architecture, preventing vacancy, and empowering our residents
This year we are combining two great HAF events, the annual Restoration Faire and Repair Cafe. During this special, one-day event you can get the help you need maintaining and repairing your historic home and/or get that item, piece of jewelry, or clothing you love repaired free of charge!
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Albany Public Library Delaware Avenue Branch,
331 Delaware Avenue
10am-2pm Restoration Help Tabling &
Demonstrations (under the big tent
behind the library)
10am-1pm Item Repairs (in the Library Community
Room)
*1pm is the latest time to arrive with an
item to be repaired.
Noon Panel Discussion (in the little tent)
BBQ Courtesy of Albany Police Deptartment
& Ice Cream from Stewart’s Shops
RSVPs appreciated so we can make sure to have enough ice cream!
Repair Cafe
10am-1pm*
*Last it will be taken in for repair at 1pm.
If your item needs a specific part (such as a belt for a particular model) please bring the replacement. We have general parts available for free (such as wires)and we have items available to purchase (like switches) at cost price.
It will be first come, first served and we will try and get through as many people as possible. We will not be taking in any items to repair after 1pm.
What is a Repair Cafe?
Repair Cafés are free meeting places and they’re all about repairing things together. You’ll find expert volunteers with repair skills in all kinds of fields who will help repair your items (and teach you how to!)
Visitors bring their broken items from home. Together with the specialists they start making their repairs in the Café. The Repair Cafe works on donations, you can donate before, during, or after the cafe if you're able to.
What Kind of Items Can We Fix?
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea of what we can work on.
- Lamps
- Clothes
- Knit Items (Crocheted Blankets, Sweaters, etc.)
- Toys
- Jewelry
- Tools
- Small Furniture
- Bicycles
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Small appliances
- Tools that need sharpening
- Wooden Items
Rules: You are welcome to bring several items, but must go to the end of the line after each is fixed. No microwaves please.
Parts: We have a variety of different parts, but if your item needs a specific part to be fixed, please purchase it before an bring it with you as we may not have the part you need. We charge a cost for the parts we provide. We can take cards, cash, or checks.
Waiting Times: We can't predict how long it may take to fix an item, so please be patient. Ask questions of our home restoration experts under the tent, have fun trying to glaze a sash or run a plaster moulding, chat with fellow attendees, watch a fix, and learn some new skills perhaps! Make sure you keep tabs on the wait list and listen for your number to be called when it is your turn!
Restoration Faire
10am-2pm
Speak to over 20 experts to get answers to your questions about maintaining and restoring historic homes, buying a historic home, funding a restoration project and more!
Tabling Organizations
Architectural Parts Warehouse
Restoring an old house and need a doorknob that matches the others, a custom sized door, a clawfoot bathtub, or a radiator? The Architectural Parts Warehouse is the Capital Region’s salvage shop all of the historic house parts you need to repair and take care of your old house.
Albany County Land Bank Corporation
Learn about what buildings they have available and how to purchase a building through the Land Bank.
Affordable Housing Partnership
Learn about what first time home buyer programs are coming up, what home repair grants are available, and how to get help with energy efficiency incentives!
City of Albany, Buildings & Regulatory Compliance
Learn about the building permit process, what needs a permit, and how to apply for one
City of Albany, Historic Resources Commission/Planning Department
Learn about the Certificate of Appropriateness process if you own a home in a historic district. What is a CoA, when you do need to apply for one, and how to apply for one.
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Learn about energy efficiency incentive programs, lead safety, gardening, and more!
Love Your Block Grant Program
Learn how to apply for a grant to beautify your neighborhood!
National Association of Women In Construction
Embrace girl power and speak to women in the field of construction from architects to contractors and artisans.
NYS Office of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation
Learn about the NYS Rehabilitation Tax Credit for Homeowners and learn how to get 20% of your rehabilitation costs back if you are doing work on your historic home.
Old Albany Real Estate, Realty ONE Group Key & Yamin Real Estate Group
Looking to sell or buy a historic home in the Capital Region? Speak to one of the preservation friendly realtors to get started.
Saratoga Joinery
If you have an interest in learning some basic, or even more advanced, carpentry skills, learn about the new community woodworking shop with a mission to make woodworking accessible to all.
Tool Lending Library
Need tools, but don’t want to invest in tons of single use tools? The Tool Lending Library lends a wide variety of tools from yard tools to hammers and screw drivers to masonry repointing kits.
Water Department (Lead Pipe Replacement Program)
Find out if you have lead water pipes leading to your historic home and learn about the City’s lead pipe replacement program.
Demonstrations
Plaster Molding Creation, Jim Post
Next Generation Systems Wood Epoxy, John Stahl
Window Sash Glazing, Ed Smyth, Smyth Sash Revival & Window Restoration
Window Screen Repair, Sam Wells & Love Your Block Grant Program
Join us at noon for a panel discussion. Panelists will discuss their experiences and the wisdom they wish they knew when they started.
Panelists:
Mehak Jamil, Historic Homeowner & DIY Expert
Daina Green, Tool Librarian & Realtor
Kelsea Adams, Historic Homeowner & Restoration Contractor
and a huge thanks to our sponsors
Photos from this year’s great event! Thanks Albany Public Library for hosting us!
