The late Summer sun shone on an expanded building in Albany today. On Washington Avenue resides the old section of the First Unitarian Universalist Society. Now, right across from SUNY Albany's downtown campus is the new section, which houses the Emerson Community Hall. The project is the result of a multi-million dollar expansion for a church that is staying around while others are leaving the city. NEWS10's John Craig took a look at what was going on inside.
At first one might think it is just another church, most sermons don't include lines like, "the roof carefully suspended from an outer ring of concrete."
Instead it is a dedication of a 2,500-square foot addition, with a 28-foot ceiling, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society on Washington Avenue in Albany. The idea began seventeen years ago but was stalled in the mid-nineties. However, at the turn of the century the plan was re-energized.
Al DeSalvo, a past congregation president said of the new results, "[It was] Tough at times but it's here. We're committed to the city. We're committed to being in Albany and this space is going to be used as much as we possibly can use it."
"We have a strong social justice program here and we're very committed to downtown Albany," Current congregation president Dave Munro said, voicing a similar optimistic outlook.
NEWS10's John Craig provided further insight into the project.
"From [a previous] mock up to what it is now, this whole project was about 3.5 million dollars, but they were able to save here and there like right down here - these floor boards - they came from School 16 and School 18 in the city. They were rescued, refurbished, de-nailed and put down."
Rev. Sam Trumbone explained why the project came about.
"They were just demolishing the buildings. We saw the opportunity, we asked for permission, came in, pulled them up and they live to this day in this space," Trumbone said.
When not being used for services the hall will further serve the community by hosting theater, music and lectures.
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