Kenmore Hotel, Albany

The Kenmore Hotel was built in 1878 by Adam Blake, an African-American entrepreneur who was a prominent and respected figure in the community. Born on April 6, 1830, Blake was the son of a slave owned by General Stephen Van Rensselaer III. Before constructing the Kenmore, Blake owned Congress Hall, a hotel located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Park Street, which was demolished to make way for the New York State Capitol building.

The Kenmore Hotel was built on the corner of North Pearl Street and Columbia Street and quickly established itself as a premier establishment in Albany. Following Adam Blake's death in 1881, his widow, Catherine, managed the hotel until 1887, continuing his legacy of excellence and community service. The Kenmore's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty, as it represents a notable chapter in the history of African-American entrepreneurship and resilience.

In 1986, the Kenmore Hotel underwent significant renovations to transform it into an office building, preserving its historical charm while adapting it for modern use. More recently, in 2019, developers revitalized the historic Rain-Bo Room within the Kenmore, a space renowned for its opulent staircase and grand 25-foot ceilings. This renovation included the addition of an upper-level mezzanine, and the space was rechristened the Kenmore Ballroom, now available for weddings, events, and receptions. T