Rehabilitation of Albany's Lark Street

Just a short walk from downtown Albany and the Empire State Plaza, Lark Street, affectionately known as the “Greenwich Village” of New York’s Capital City, offers a mix of fun, vintage, and funky businesses, galleries, shops, and restaurants that draw visitors from across the region.

To rejuvenate this eclectic corridor, the City of Albany partnered with CHA to deliver design and construction inspection services for a comprehensive rehabilitation. The effort focused on improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety and accessibility, and aesthetics, all while preserving the street’s distinctive character.

The project employed innovative techniques to restore infrastructure, including cold milling, which removed deteriorated pavement while preserving historical granite blocks beneath. The new surface honors the street’s legacy while delivering a smoother, more durable surface. Enhancements such as curb bump-outs at crosswalks calm traffic and reduce crossing distances. ADA-compliant ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, and sharrows promote safer, more inclusive mobility. Thoughtful touches, including decorative energy-efficient festoon lighting and reimagined tree pits with permeable materials, enhance the street’s charm and sustainability.

CHA prioritized transparent communication with business owners throughout construction, resulting in minimal disruption and timely completion for community events like “Small Business Saturday.” This collaborative approach helped Lark Street’s rehabilitation balance immediate infrastructure needs with long-term goals of safety, accessibility, and economic revitalization, reinforcing Lark Street’s role as a cornerstone of Albany’s cultural and commercial identity.