LRA Constructors Begins Albany Museum Relocation

Work is now underway on a new 58,000-square-foot museum facility located at 126 W Broad Ave.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Construction

LRA Constructors Begins Albany Museum Relocation

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LRA Constructors has officially started construction on the Albany Museum of Art relocation project. The $35 million facility aims to provide expanded space for galleries, educational areas, and community events.

Why it matters

The project intends to provide expanded galleries, education areas, studios, a café, and community event space for the public. Local officials anticipate the new facility will generate $5 million in annual economic impact once completed.

The $35 million project includes $4 million from the City of Albany and $3 million each from Dougherty County and the Bunzl Foundation. This 58,000-square-foot facility is projected to deliver an annual economic impact of $5 million.

The players

LRA Constructors

This is the construction firm tasked with managing the site clearing and facility development.

Albany Museum of Art

The institution is relocating from its current site on Meadowlark Dr to a larger facility downtown.

Bunzl Foundation

This philanthropic organization contributed $3 million toward the museum expansion project.

Robert N. Brooks Sr. family

The family donated the building at 126 W Broad Ave for the museum project in 2019.

The details

LRA Constructors is currently clearing the interior of the downtown site, which previously underwent environmental cleanup for hazardous waste and petroleum in 2020. The development utilizes historic rehabilitation tax credits and maintains a commitment to free museum admission.

The Robert N. Brooks Sr. family donated the building in 2019.
Environmental site cleanup took place in 2020.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 18, 2026.
Construction activities commenced on October 23, 2026.
The project is expected to be completed within two years of the October start date.

Market Landscape

This project follows a pattern established by the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit program by repurposing existing urban infrastructure to stimulate local economic growth. The transition mirrors broader trends of centralizing cultural institutions to drive downtown revitalization.

The new facility will maintain free admission, ensuring continued public access to art and community programming. Residents should expect construction activity at 126 W Broad Ave through late 2028.

The takeaway

The relocation project highlights how municipal and private partnerships can transform underutilized urban properties into active cultural hubs. Citizens can look forward to expanded educational and event spaces as the two-year construction process progresses.