A Great School Finds a Great Home

The Original Structure.

Built as the Rensselaer High School, the historic Van Rensselaer School was constructed in two phases, beginning in 1930. When completed in 1939, it was more than 61,000 square feet, rising over three stories. The solidly constructed structure is steel-frame, with concrete and brick exterior walls. The front of the school features a beautiful slate gabled roof, with a signature copper cupola that now will become the central feature of our School’s logo. The interior includes a main corridor with terrazzo floors and plaster walls. In the early 1970s, the high school was relocated and the building became the Van Rensselaer Elementary School.

The Addition.

In 1995, an $8.5 million, 56,000-square-foot addition - steel-frame with concrete block and brick exterior walls – almost doubled the size of the building. Extreme care was taken to ensure that the addition’s exterior would seamlessly blend with the original buildings. The classrooms in the addition are outfitted with amenities such as their own bathrooms and ample cabinetry for storage. The new section of the school also includes a light-filled library, gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen. About $500,000 was spent to upgrade and consolidate both the original and new structures with a central heating plant. Windows were replaced throughout the campus structures with operable, double-pane insulated glass.

The Property.

The 24-acre property is located in a quiet area with easy access from 1-90 east and west (exits 7 and 8). The School will have a strong visual presence from the highway. While residential properties neighbor the school on the north, south and east, the property slopes down toward the Hudson River, to the west, with views of the Albany skyline. The acreage will allow for future expansion of playing fields, gardens and nature trails.