Prompted by the demolition of a building at the campus of the National Energy Technology Lab, rumors are flying about what the U.S. Department of Energy has in mind for the Albany site.
Waiting for demolition? It’s ‘on hold’
Written January 8th, 2026 by Hasso Hering
In 2024, the government announced it planned to demolish Building 2 on the Albany campus of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Now that we’re in 2026, how come the historic structure is still there?
Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Building 2, demolition, NETL, Oregon Heritage, Tremont Hall, Woodward Hall
Tags: Building 2, demolition, NETL, Oregon Heritage, Tremont Hall, Woodward Hall
Building 2: The deal on its demolition
Written September 8th, 2025 by Hasso Hering
The federal government will go ahead and demolish an old and dilapidated building at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), but it is considering steps to preserve two other buildings on the Albany campus.
Posted in: Bicycling, Commentary, News
Tags: Albany Landmarks Commission, Building 2, demolition, Friends of Historic Albany, Historic buildings, historic district, National Energy Technology Lab, SHPO
Tags: Albany Landmarks Commission, Building 2, demolition, Friends of Historic Albany, Historic buildings, historic district, National Energy Technology Lab, SHPO
At 610 Sherman St., a new chapter begins
Written July 25th, 2024 by Hasso Hering
Four years after the City of Albany condemned a house at 610 Sherman St. and then had it demolished, the still vacant lot has new owners and is being prepared for construction.
Posted in: Bicycling, Commentary, News
Tags: 610 Sherman, code enforcement, David Furry, demolition, homeless, housing, real estate
Tags: 610 Sherman, code enforcement, David Furry, demolition, homeless, housing, real estate
Making room for a manufactured home
Written December 19th, 2023 by Hasso Hering
A small old house at the corner of First Avenue and Columbus Street in Albany was vacant for five years. This week it was torn down so a manufactured house can be placed on the lot.
Posted in: Bicycling, Commentary, News
Tags: demolition, housing, manufactured houses, Willamette neighborhood
Tags: demolition, housing, manufactured houses, Willamette neighborhood
Demolition cost more than expected
Written June 25th, 2023 by Hasso Hering
Unforeseen complications have raised the cost of demolishing the former Wells Fargo Bank branch in downtown Albany.
Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: ARA, Broadalbin Street, city council, demolition, downtown Albany, First Avenue, urban renewal, Wells Fargo
Tags: ARA, Broadalbin Street, city council, demolition, downtown Albany, First Avenue, urban renewal, Wells Fargo
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On Burkhart Street, big old tank is gone
For years a big and abandoned concrete reservoir, once part of the Albany water system, dominated the otherwise empty lot at 370 Burkhart St. S.E. Now the tank is gone, and new owners are talking of developing the lot.
Tags: Burkhart Street, demolition, land use, water reservoir