What’s New at CIDC …
Construction Progress Continues on Albany Capital Center Expansion
Construction is well underway on the Albany Capital Center expansion, marking an exciting milestone for a project that will strengthen downtown Albany as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, trade shows, and community events.
The new expansion will add approximately 84,000 square feet of modern event space, including flexible meeting rooms, ballrooms, and enhanced public gathering areas designed to accommodate larger regional and national events. Once completed, the project will significantly expand the Center's capacity while generating lasting economic benefits for the Capital Region through increased tourism, business activity, and job creation.
CIDC is proud to have played a key role in making this transformative project possible by developing the financing structure, securing tax-exempt bond financing, acquiring the project site, and partnering with the Albany Convention Center Authority to move the expansion from concept to construction
Structural steel rises over downtown Albany as construction continues on the Albany Capital Center expansion. (Photo by Bradley Holen)
Rendering of completed Albany Capital Center
Construction Progress at WSWHE BOCES Wilton Career & Special Education Campus
Construction is taking shape at the new WSWHE BOCES Wilton Career & Special Education Campus, an exciting milestone for this transformative project serving students and communities throughout the five-county region. The $96 million campus will bring together career and technical education, special education, and workforce training in three modern buildings totaling approximately 290,000 square feet.
As this recent aerial view shows, significant progress is being made across the 25-acre site. Buildings are taking shape, roofing and exterior work are advancing, and the scale of the new campus is becoming increasingly visible.
CIDC is proud to partner with WSWHE BOCES on a project that will serve 31 school districts across Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, and Essex counties. The campus represents the kind of long-term investment in education, workforce development, and community infrastructure that is central to CIDC's mission.
Construction continues on the new WSWHE BOCES Wilton Career & Special Education Campus, with significant progress visible across the 25-acre site. (Photo by Bradley Holen)
CIDC Sr. Vice President Nelson Bregon with HUD Secretary Scott Turner in Washinton, D.C., discussing CIDC’s community development and financing initiatives.
CIDC Leadership Meets with HUD Secretary in Washington, D.C
CIDC Sr. Vice President Nelson Bregon recently met with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner in Washington, D.C. during a holiday reception. The meeting provided an opportunity to brief Secretary Turner on CIDC’s ongoing work supporting community development, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing strategies. During the discussion, CIDC shared updates on its use of tax-exempt financing and other tools to advance housing, economic development, and municipal projects that strengthen communities nationwide.
CIDC President, Fran Brandt, stands alongside the William Lowenstein Stove to Start-Up Grant plaque, created by Culinary Studios in appreciation of CIDC’s partnership.
Groundbreaking Marks Start of Albany Capital Center Project
CIDC President, Fran Brandt attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Albany Capital Center project, marking the official start of construction at 126 State Street in Albany, New York.
The project will transform and expand the existing convention center into an 84,000-square-foot, modernized facility designed to host large-scale events, including conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and sporting events. Once completed in March 2027, the Albany Capital Center will serve as a key driver for increased business activity, tourism, and community engagement throughout the Capital Region.
CIDC Presents the William Lowenstein Stove to Start-Up Grant at Culinary Clash
CIDC President Fran Brandt attended the grand finale of Culinary Clash, a cooking competition for aspiring chefs hosted by Culinary Studios, a project CIDC helped develop in Lake Park, Florida. She presented the first William Lowenstein Stove to Start-Up Grant.
The grant was awarded to Christopher Herrington, recognizing his talent and potential as an emerging culinary entrepreneur. The Stove to Start-Up Grant was created by Culinary Studios as a gesture of appreciation for CIDC’s role in helping bring the project to life.
Named in honor of CIDC founder William Lowenstein, the grant supports aspiring chefs as they take their next steps toward building sustainable food-based businesses.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Albany Capital Center expansion in Albany, New York, attended by our President, project partners and community leaders.