Support

In the Spring of 2005, Shaker Heritage Society initiated a project to develop a Site Master Plan to guide the future use and development of the Church Family property.  The project was completed in two phases, both of which received awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects.  It was funded through grants from the NY State Council on the Arts, the Bender Foundation and Albany County.

Working in partnership with Albany County (which has owned the property since 1928), Albany International Airport, and the Town of Colonie, the first phase of planning was completed in 2007.  It consisted largely of an existing conditions report for both the buildings and the landscape.  Phase II of the plan provides specific recommendations for the use of the buildings (most of which are currently vacant) and a prioritized list of building stabilization and landscape rehabilitation projects.

Rather than attempting to recreate a historic Shaker village setting, the plan calls for development of a mixed-use facility.  Some buildings are identified as being suitable for commercial purposes such as office space and a restaurant while others are designated for education and interpretation purposes.  The plan provides a phased 15-year project with a total estimated cost of 15 million dollars.

Since the plan was completed, Albany County Executive, Daniel McCoy has recommended that the former Ann Lee Nursing Home (a non-Shaker building in the Church Family) be transformed into permanent housing for homeless veterans. Shaker Heritage Society supports this concept and is working with the County to develop plans for the adaptive reuse of the ca. 1930 structure.