Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 19 the completion of the new Capital Region Music Hub at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, following a $15 million expansion and renovation project. The initiative is part of the Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and includes flexible use space, rehearsal and event areas, an education classroom, and updated HVAC systems to modernize the historic venue.
Hochul said, “New York’s arts and cultural sector is a critical part of our economic prosperity and global leadership. Through our investments in capital projects like these, we are promoting cultural and economic growth in communities across New York. And, with the completion of this project, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will continue to attract audiences, spark growth and strengthen the region for generations to come.”
The Capital Region Music Hub is designed as a multipurpose community space on the building’s second floor for music performances, education programs, community gatherings, and cultural collaborations. The upgrades mark the first significant interior renovation to the property in more than two decades.
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “This project was so much more than expanding and restoring a beautiful historic space. Now, with the Capital Region Music Hub, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is equipped to serve the region for another 150 years with inspiring performances, greater accessibility, and year-round programming to residents and visitors alike.” Empire State Development President Hope Knight said that such projects help sustain local businesses by engaging residents and visitors.
Other officials also commented on the impact of this investment. New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said that expanding unique historic spaces builds upon successful revitalization plans for cities like Troy. Assemblymember John T. McDonald III highlighted state funding allocations supporting arts access for future generations. City of Troy Mayor Carmella R. Mantello noted that her administration contributed $1 million from ARPA funds toward preserving this landmark while increasing opportunities for collaboration.
The press release also outlines several other Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects underway in Troy: extending Riverwalk Trail; redeveloping Taylor Apartments; transforming Congress Street Gateway; expanding library capacity; restoring American Theatre into an arts venue; improving Hart Cluett Museum facilities; connecting downtown through public art installations; implementing wayfinding branding strategies; creating outdoor public space at CEO Community Resource Center; restoring Cannon Building façade improvements.
Since its opening in 1875 as a National Historic Landmark known for its acoustics—hosting artists such as Dizzy Gillespie or Yo-Yo Ma—the venue has played an important role in regional culture.
According to information provided about DRI history since its launch in 2016 under DOS leadership—alongside agencies including HCR (Department of Housing & Community Renewal), ESD (Empire State Development), NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research & Development Authority)—the program has awarded $1 billion across nine rounds benefiting nearly one hundred communities statewide.
