SUNY Plaza, Albany

SUNY Plaza, locally referred to as "The Castle" or "D&H Plaza," was originally constructed for the Delaware & Hudson Railroad Company. Its striking design, characterized by Gothic architectural elements, includes a central tower that rises thirteen stories and is crowned by an 8-foot-tall working weathervane modeled after Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon.

The building serves as the central administrative headquarters for the State University of New York (SUNY) system, underscoring its significance in the state's educational framework. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 as the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Company Building, it also contributes to the Downtown Albany Historic District, designated in 1980. The structure spans several sections, with its north to south expanse comprising at least six distinct parts, including a former undecorated warehouse and a square tower with four corner turrets connected diagonally to the central tower.

Architectural details of the building reflect Albany's Dutch heritage, despite its primary Gothic style. The gables feature coats of arms from notable Dutch families, including Albany's first mayor, Pieter Schuyler. Additionally, inscriptions of names and dates of prominent printers, such as William Caxton, on the Albany Evening Journal building facade, blend historical elements into the overall design. This integration of Gothic and Dutch motifs not only highlights the building's aesthetic appeal but also its cultural and historical significance in Albany.