Canal Option 1
The fundamental principle of bringing the river into Albany is to provide the city with harbor facilities. In all likelihood the overall plan for a highly developed canal system could not be implemented all in one step. Two options for phasing construction and still creating substantial marina space were explored. Option No. 1 uses the south entrance as access to a boat basin at the foot of State Street hill in front of the old D&H Building.
This design is concise and impressive utilizing some of the finest architecture in the city. It's high visibility and location would quickly attract national attention. After its construction, this facility would have an instant and attractive Victorian setting. The surrounding ground floor real estate could become premium retail space, this could include the D&H Building. Its greatest feature, however, is compactness which translates into cost. No major changes in vehicular or railway traffic are required. Maintenance and management of the completed facility are also simplified. If archeological and utility concerns can be addressed, this system appears to be quite workable.
The major disadvantage to this design approach is it's limited opportunity for growth. This becomes more apparent if the waterway is not continued northward on Broadway. In that scenario it is a dead-end system.