[3] The regional redevelopment agency is considering acquiring the building through eminent domain in order to ensure its restoration.

It is a six-story steel frame building, higher than most of its neighbors, faced in white glazed terra cotta.

On the first two stories the storefront is framed with acanthus leaves and garlands with mock keystones and rectangular blocks.

It is finished in classically inspired carved trim, embossed wood wainscoting and pressed glass dividers.

An oak staircase lit by a brass-framed skylight provides access to the upper floors, many of which have been converted to apartment space by combining several former hotel rooms.

Original finishes here include plaster walls, wooden flooring, wide moldings with corner blocks and transom lights on the paneled doors.

Most of Schenectady's commercial buildings date to the mid- or late 19th century and are faced in brick, rarely more than three stories tall.

Elsewhere in the Capital District, only the McCarthy Building in downtown Troy shows the same craftmanship in terra cotta.

[1] As Schenectady grew rapidly following General Electric's decision to locate its research laboratory in the city, where it already had a substantial presence, living space was at a premium.

A 1990s owner left the heat turned off one winter, resulting in a burst pipe that caused severe damage to the structure, estimated to cost $4–5 million to repair.

[3] In the 2000s, the owner tried to sell the property as the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority (SMDA), which had already sought state grants to restore the facade, threatened to acquire the building through eminent domain if necessary.