New York State Capitol

Construction of the New York State Capitol in Albany, NY, began in 1867 following the design by Thomas Fuller. Frederick Law Olmsted joined the project to advise on the building’s expansion and improvement in 1874. Several disagreements occurred within the board due to differences in the architectural style of the ground floor and proposed addition. The 1876 Report of the Advisory Board announced “the Capitol should be an architectural monument worthy of the grandeur of the Empire state.” Design choices were made to add “interest and beauty to its exterior”. They proposed adjusting the proportions of the building and suggested balcony and inner and outer stairways to contribute to its status. [Plans of the New Capitol_1877_LOC-FLOP-SF-Public Buildings_im.16&20]