ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The Copper Crow, a staple in Albany’s warehouse district that was closed in mid-January after a flood, is set to reopen on July 15. Frozen pipes in the warehouse above sent over 65,000 gallons of water cascading through the establishment on January 16, causing its months-long closure.
“We could not be more excited to open the doors again on July 15. Based on the level of demand we had in January and just based on the vibe and talk and conversation about this place, we fully expect to be busy,” says owner Jason Pierce.
The land upon which The Copper Crow sits has a long and storied connection to the City of Albany’s heyday as one of the nation’s brewing centers. Andrew Kirk first opened a brewery at the site in 1832, and the current building was operated as a brewery and malt house by nine different companies until just after the turn of the nineteenth century, producing primarily ales and porters. The Dutch Revival façade of the building dates back to a 1912 renovation by then-tenant George Spalt & Sons, a cabinetmaker, and manufacturer of office furniture.
While water damage from the January flood was extensive, there was no structural damage done to the historic building. The majority of the ceiling, back of the restaurant, portions of the bathrooms and some vestibules were all partially or completely reconstructed. Pierce said you would never be able to tell the difference. “When you couple that with all of the operating costs during the six months of closure, it’s totaled about $365,000,” Pierce says.
Owner Jason Pierce credits the saving of the building to Capital Restoration Services, and their industrial heaters, fans, and strategically injected drying agents. Only two end portions of the back bar had to be rebuilt, he said.
Once it re-opens, the restaurant will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m.