A pink glow distinguishes the front of “1st Hand Seconds” on Tuesday night, Sept. 26, 2023.
An evening bike ride through downtown Albany does not usually offer much in the way of attractions other than the general lack of traffic on the streets.
Now, though, there is one new and noteworthy feature: the distinctive pink neon glow that permeates the night from the freshly renovated storefront at 411 Second Ave. S.W.
The store is “1st Hand Seconds,” which describes itself as as a “unique boutique.” The second-hand clothing and bridal shop serves as a fund-raising arm of Mercy House International, a charity that says it “is dedicated to the renewal of women and their children recovering from domestic abuse.”
I reported on the completion of the renovation on Sept. 14, but at the time the windows on the second floor were still covered with plywood and the neon tubes had not yet been installed.
Last week I wanted to take a look at the completed picture. By the time I got there it was getting dark, which was fortunate. It allowed the neon fixtures beside the new windows to create the intended effect.
People at the store say the building dates from 1929, which is probably correct even though the county assessor’s online records give 1900 as the year of construction. (I think the assessor’s office puts down “1900” in cases where a building is clearly very old but available records don’t yield a specific date.)
As usual, on that Tuesday evening last week, downtown was pretty much deserted. It was about 7:30. There was no one on the sidewalk. Motor traffic was mostly absent.
So the pink glow in the 400 block of Second Avenue was a welcome sight. (hh)
And here’s the view from west of the storefront.
Refreshing to see you admit in type that the downtown Albany Streets are vacant on a Tuesday evening. (You mentioned it twice!) I don’t get how pink neon lights are considered historically accurate by the Albany Agency who monitors what kind of windows can be installed when remodeling in the historic district.
I also wondered what the pink glow would have looked like in history.
There were once some “red lights” a glow in downtown Albany…(if ya know what I mean),
Pink neon tubes are historically appropriate and the Landmarks Commission certainly has the power to regulate what exterior alterations get plonked on downtown buildings.
I mean, let’s save the debate for a situation where the Commission considers solar panels on historic buildings.
Defining the historic character of a building must be flexible enough to accommodate the exercise of current political desires.
Personally, I think these lights are marvelous. However, given the usual political propensity demonstrated by the local populace, the “pink neon glow” as described by Herr Hering might just be a bit too “woke.” Let us hope I am wrong and that our Leaders will rise in defense of pinkish neon pervading downtown.
Adding some color to a historical building just ‘lights it up’!! Kudos to those who made the repairs and restoration to this building, while adding a touch of fun!
This needs explanation from the City. I had a downtown business for 37 years and no external neon was allowed. Internal neon such as open signs permitted. If one business is allowed to have neon, then ALL business are allowed. Lets turn Historic Downtown Albany into the Las Vegas Strip.
You are right, Mr. Senders.
And what is “They, Them Mouse” talking about when Mouse says a building must accommodate current political desires. That must be sarcasm from Mouse. Hard to tell with “They, Them Mouse.”
The luddites lost.
Move forward.
Vegas? Oh please….but back in the day!!!!
Downtown is looking great do you want to go back to the Westerner days?
All bars, all the time in stinkville?
Good grief.
You mean like Boda Furniture, Jordan Jewelers, PIX Theater…..
Grandfathered. These neon lights are new. Please send a photo of the neon from 1930’s.
Boda Furniture from the 30’s? I don’t think so. I don’t know about Jordan’s.
The building, not the current business.
I was talking about the sign. I doubt they made a “Boda” sign back then, just in case.
Viva Las Vegas! Isn’t the 1940’s historical? They could put a strip club next to the pawn shop that is going in by the Chase bank. Maybe a casino in the old Wells Fargo building? The parents can drop their kiddos off at the carousal or the new park. Then the adults can visit the “mature” attractions. Dysfunctional is the new norm. Albany needs to step up their game and get with the program.
Allow me to fix it for you….
Maybe BUILD a casino ON the old Wells Fargo building LOT?
This was definitely approved by landmarks. The neon is a replacement in the exact placing and shape as the original neon from the 30’s. The building’s facade was replicated from a picture of that era with a modern twist. We welcome everyone to come see for themselves the beautiful windows as well as the lighting. The pictures are picking up a reflection that does not accurately depict the look in person.
hj.anony1. Thank you for your thoughtful effort. I ain’t had much schooling. It was more of a “they could have” thought. The bank could have been perfect for a casino. Just surprised they did not think of it before they tore it down. Repurposing is progressive? What does it matter what will be there. It won’t motivate the people who live here enough to support something that does not improve their lives. No matter how shiny it maybe!
I think it looks great and people are always going to need something to complain about so nothing surprising here haha.
It’s understandable given how intrusive the City can be when it come to ‘history’ and what is allowed and not allowed and the often times, unreasonable and expensive demands that get made. And let’s not forget that there has been a lot of ‘what is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander’.