*** NEWS RELEASE ***

S.T.E.A.M. Garden to host Traditional Trades training workshops with
Hudson Valley Community College,
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

Enrollment Deadline is Thursday, February 27th

Classes in Wood Window Rehabilitation start Thursday, March 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:           Anthony Capece, Executive Director

Central Avenue Business Improvement District (CDMA, Inc.)

anthony@centralbid.com / 518-462-4300

ALBANY, NY (2/13/20) — Historic windows add authentic charm to old buildings, but they need to be maintained and modernized to stay weather-tight and operable. Even 100-year-old windows are probably structurally sound but may be painted shut, have damaged or missing putty, a cracked pane of glass or the sash cords that allow for easy opening and closing may have broken.

It’s getting harder to find people with the skills who can repair and restore old windows, but thanks to an upcoming workshop (Cohort), the number of local historic window repair specialists will soon be growing. At Albany’s S.T.E.A.M. Garden, a formerly vacant school building is providing hands-on learning opportunities for a new generation of skilled workers.

“S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Media – but we’re also training people in the technology from the past that remains in high demand,” said Anthony Capece, Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District (Central BID). “Starting in March, we will be welcoming contractors, entrepreneurs, even homeowners, to learn about the traditional trade of historic window rehabilitation.”

The Office of Workforce Development of Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and Historic Albany Foundation are joining forces to address the growing need for skilled contractors for restoration projects. The Historic Wood Window Rehabilitation course follows the Historic Masonry – Treatments and Repair course that started in January. The Historic Window course will be held on Thursday evenings and four Saturdays from March 5 – April 25 at the S.T.E.A.M. Garden at 279 Central Avenue.

The 40-hour course will provide participants with both classroom and hands-on training in the traditional trade of historic wood window rehabilitation, including the repair of window sashes, glazing, frames and weights. Students will gain an understanding of windows used on 19^th and 20^th century buildings, basics in the field of historic preservation, weatherization techniques and where to market their skills. A certificate for completion of the course is awarded by HVCC and OPRHP, which is New York’s federally designated State Historic Preservation Office.

The course will be taught by Christopher Templin and Emily Majer. Templin is an architectural historian at Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects in Albany with years of on-site preservation and restoration carpentry experience. Majer is the owner and operator of White Clay Kill Preservation in Tivoli, NY, and earned a Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Massachusetts.

Tuition for the course is $850, and participants should have basic construction skills. Tuition assistance is available for CSEA employees; and from the Albany and Rensselaer County One-Stop Employment Centers; and other workforce development organizations. For more information or to enroll, visit www.hvcc.edu/workforce, email workforce@hvcc.edu  or call (518) 629-4111. The enrollment deadline for the Historic Wood Window Rehabilitation class is Thursday, February 27th.

“The New York State Division for Historic Preservation heard from countless communities across the state that, while they embrace the rich history and historic character of their neighborhoods, finding contractors with the necessary training to repair older buildings was extremely difficult,” said Daniel Mackay, Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation. “By enhancing the skills of craftspeople in the traditional trades, we can help create quality construction jobs that provide a much need service to the next generation of historic building stewards.”

“Jobs like these can’t be outsourced or automated – and the time it takes to get on many preservation contractors’ schedules illustrates the demand,” said Capece. “At the S.T.E.A.M. Garden, we’re happy to help turn old skills into new jobs.” An additional course in Historic Preservation Carpentry is slated for the spring.

The Albany S.T.E.A.M. Garden is a regional super-hub for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Media. It provides shared work areas, meeting rooms, maker labs, and classrooms as well as rental space for special events. It welcomes entrepreneurs and co-workers for monthly, weekly or daily memberships. For more information about the S.T.E.A.M. Garden, visit www.steamgarden.org or www.centralbid.com .

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 Here are some easy to use Social media “clips” you can drop into your social media and help us spread the word.

Learn a skill a robot can’t take away! Historic Window Rehab – 40 hour course offered by HVCC and NYSOPRHP starts 3/5 at STEAM Garden, 279 Central Ave. $850 – tuition assistance is available – RSVP by 2/27. hvcc.edu/workforce 518-629-4111.

Historic windows don’t have to be a pain in the glass! Keep them in good shape – for you or a client! 40-hour class starts 3/5 at STEAM Garden, 279 Central Ave. $850 – tuition assistance is available – RSVP by 2/27. hvcc.edu/workforce 518-629-4111.

At Albany’s STEAM Garden, a former school is providing hands-on learning for a new generation of skilled workers. RSVP by 2/27 for Historic Window Rehab starting 3/5 at 279 Central Ave. $850 – tuition assistance available. hvcc.edu/workforce (518) 629-4111.

The STEAM Garden is helping turn old skills into new jobs. Window Resto classes start 3/5. RSVP by 2/27. $850 – tuition assistance is available. hvcc.edu/workforce (518) 629-4111. Preservation Carpentry classes coming soon.

Are your historic windows painted shut? Don’t despair – REPAIR! Historic Window Rehab – 40 hour course offered by HVCC and NYSOPRHP starts 3/5 at STEAM Garden, 279 Central Ave. $850 – tuition assistance is available – RSVP by 2/27. hvcc.edu/workforce 518-629-4111.

Get your historic windows ready to let the spring air in! Historic Window Rehab – 40 hour course offered by HVCC and NYSOPRHP starts 3/5 at STEAM Garden, 279 Central Ave. $850 – tuition assistance is available – RSVP by 2/27. hvcc.edu/workforce 518-629-4111.