Heading into Albany on Highway 20 on Tuesday afternoon.
For a few weeks now drivers heading east on Highway 20 on their way downtown have passed a new sign before getting to the Spring Hill signal and the Ellsworth Street bridge.
“INFO,” it says in foot-high capitals. And in a smaller font: “RIGHT ON 3RD.”
Third Avenue in Albany is not without its charms. But information? You don’t necessarily find it on that street. What gives?
On a hunch, after crossing the river with traffic on the Ellsworth bridge on Tuesday afternoon, I stopped the bike at 122 Ferry St. S.W. That’s the address of the Albany Visitors Association.
And yes, that’s where the highway “INFO” sign is intended to point. But not directly.
If you make a right on Third as instructed, and if you keep your eyes peeled for further clues, you find another sign just like the first on the corner of Third Avenue and Ferry Street. This one bids you make a right on Ferry.
You go north on Ferry for a block and a half, and your quest is over. You have found Albany’s tourist office, where you’ll meet the helpful staff and there is, indeed, plenty of the aforementioned info: Information about Albany, the mid-valley, history, attractions, hotels and restaurants, all kinds of stuff visitors might want to know.
All three Visitors Association staffers were in when I stopped on Tuesday: Rebecca Bond, executive director; Lonna Capaci, manager of visitor services; and Alicen Arsenault, marketing manager.
There’s another sign, even bigger than the “info” pointers, on the outside of their office. But it’s on an alley wall, and no tourist driving north from Third will see it. Nor are visitors likely, because of street trees, to spot the association’s modest storefront office.
So, the women told me, they hope to have another sign installed in front. Big enough to tell tourists they have arrived and yes, this is the spot. (hh)
Meet the AVA staff, from left: Lonna Capaci, Rebecca Bond, and Alicen Arsenault.
The association staff members under their sign in the alley between their office and the former St. Francis Hotel.
Thanks for the INFO
When I first saw the INFO signs, I tried to find the “INFO” location, but it was too confusing so gave up. Thanks Hasso for your diligence and explanation.
This all seems pointless. It must have been another government project designed to confuse and irritate!
So funny, I pointed those signs out to my significant other and they had no idea what I was talking about. Glad I wasn’t the only one to notice.
Maybe it should have directed “Right on 1st” and then LEFT on Ferry, and then that alley sign **may** have been visible.
Those three do massive work to highlight the goings-on (and going-ons) here in Albany. Visitors without a gps, a ‘phone, or even a hat will absolutely be accustomed to and competent at following two signs guiding them to the info.
Thank you for visiting us, Hasso. We intentionally direct visitors down 3rd Avenue, whether they’re traveling north on Lyon or south on Ellsworth. This reduces the number of signs needed, guides drivers past free parking at Two Rivers Market, and gives a second chance to turn west on 1st Avenue before crossing the bridge.
We brought the sign with us from our old location. It was designed by No Dinx and fabricated by Van Dyke’s. We think it adds character and offers a nod to the historic “ghost signs” visitors love discovering when walking through our historic downtown.
We appreciate the help from the City of Albany’s Economic Development, Parks, Public Works, and ODOT teams in getting our wayfinding signs in place.