In 2007 I moved to Albany from Brooklyn for a job in the Capitol. I was happy to move Upstate, but wanted to continue living in an urban setting and preferred a walking commute to the slog down I-787. Having a demanding job, I also wanted a low-maintenance place. Being a festive person, I wanted space for entertaining. Being a frugal person, I wanted a place that was affordable and stable. And to entice friends and family to visit, I wanted a place that would be comfortable for overnight guests.

I found that and much more at Capital Hill Condominiums – a 1905 Morris Ryder building in Albany’s thriving and historic Center Square neighborhood. Our condo – Unit 5C – has an open floor plan that has accommodated parties for 50 or more people (including one memorable BBQ with the then-governor). A large, second bedroom and second full bathroom for guests. Beautiful hardwood floors that are easy to keep clean. Daily common area cleaning service. Laundry and bike storage in basement. A garbage chute (can’t get that in the burbs!). No mowing lawns (although I have enjoyed gardening on the balcony). No shoveling snow. And a reliable monthly fee for heating and building maintenance.

I was also attracted to condo life because I believe in community. I like historic buildings and like the idea of maintaining strong urban neighborhoods. I joined the Condo Board a few years ago and have participated in many major building improvement projects, including replacing all windows in the building, for which we received an historic preservation award.

OUR HOME

I met Jenny in December of 2007, we started dating in the Spring of 2008, and she moved into the condo by summer.

The location is perfect. We love good food and wine. Being able to walk to several excellent restaurants in the neighborhood is a significant bonus. We also love nature. Washington Park is world class, just steps away from the condo. We also took several day trips and weekend trips to the Catskills, Adirondacks and Hudson Valley for hikes and sails on the Hudson River.

The view from the condo is breathtaking. The dining room faces a wall of paned glass that frames the rooftops of Center Square and the Empire Plaza. French doors open to a balcony, from which you can see the Helderberg Escarpment and, on clear days, the Catskills.

In December 2009, I proposed to Jenny in our dining room. In 2010, we got married, and by mid-2011 we were expecting our first child. This was our first decision point about whether to move out of the condo, but we decided to stay. In fact, we doubled down. We renovated the kitchen with new granite countertops sourced from a mine in the Adirondacks, marble backsplash, new sink fixtures, custom shelving, and new tile floor. In the living room, we added a custom built-in TV cabinet and bookshelf. Of course, we gave the baby’s room a fresh paint job, which was hard to do because we had to paint over a very unique – but not very baby-like – artsy chalkboard. The prior owners are movie producers who went on to win the Sundance Grand Jury Prize in 2008 (creative energy still abounds in the condo).

In 2012 our first daughter Leda was born. She loves the condo and neighborhood too, but we realize the benefits of more space.

OUR FUTURE

A couple of months ago we found out that Leda is going to have a brother or sister. We are out-growing our beloved condo in Center Square. We will miss our friends and neighbors, but now is our time to move on. We welcome you to visit our home, and if you have any questions please just contact our realtor. Thank you for your interest!