FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2023
Crossgates donates over two acres of land to the Rapp Road Historical Association
Albany, NY – Crossgates and the Rapp Road Historical Association have finalized the conveyance of 2.57 acres of land donated by Crossgates to the Rapp Road Historical Association (“RRHA”). These five parcels have been added to the 14-acre residential neighborhood located adjacent to the shopping center, located within the City of Albany and Albany Pine Bush.
The Rapp Road Historic District (RRHD) was established in the 1920’s by African Americans who migrated predominantly from Mississippi as part of the Great Migration (1927 to 1963). They eventually bought and settled on the land along Rapp Road to build their homes and raise their families. Today’s historic district has many of the original buildings and most of the original families’ descendants still live there. RRHD is Albany’s only African American focused historic district and is included in the 3 percent of all National Register listings that celebrate African American heritage.
“This was an initiative set out by our former president Beverly Bardequez in her efforts to try and preserve as much of the historic district as possible. Although the RRHA has much more work to do, we will continue to follow our mission in preserving the district.” said Stephanie Woodard, President of the RRHA.
This district has been listed on both the national and state registries since 2003 and 2002, respectively. In 2006, the state Department of Education chartered the RRHA, which was formed to preserve and interpret the history of the RRHD.
“We recognize the importance of preserving our community’s history and cultural heritage,” said Stephen J. Congel, Chief Executive Officer, Pyramid Management Group. “We are proud to donate this land to the Rapp Road Historical Association and support their efforts to preserve the legacy of the historic district and the African American families who built the district. Together, we can all make a difference in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community.”
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About The Rapp Road Historical Association (RRHA):
The Rapp Road Historical Association (RRHA) was created with a broad mission toward promoting the history of the Rapp Road Historic District (RRHD) and preserving the historic homes within the historic district. The Association is a mix of RRHD dependents and concerned citizens who migrated from the south and are very interested in preserving RRHD history. The Association has been chartered by the New York State Board of Education and registered as a not-for-profit (501c3).
About Crossgates:
Crossgates is the Capital Region’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination offering an impressive selection of national brands and the newest retail concepts. The center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Best Buy, while offering more than 180 retail shops, including Apple. Crossgates offers 10 entertainment venues and over 20 on-site eateries, such as Dave & Buster’s, Get Air, Billy Beez, Apex Entertainment, The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, Maggie McFly’s and Regal Cinemas with IMAX. Or simply relax at our award-winning day spa, Spa Mirbeau. Located adjacent to a dual-branded 192-room Homewood Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel, Crossgates is your destination to EAT. SHOP. PLAY. STAY. Additional information regarding Crossgates can be found at shopcrossgates.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC:
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Crossgates, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held real estate developers in the northeast. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment destinations and expanding hospitality presence dominate the northeast with 14 properties located throughout New York and Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, Pyramid has built its reputation on being first, fast, ahead of the curve and always what’s next, leading the industry in combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com.