The Alfred E. Smith building is one of my favorite pieces of Albany architecture, in case you hadn't noticed from all of the pictures I've been posting of it.

The other large landmarks in Albany are the buildings in Empire Plaza- all very modern and hard edged and terribly photogenic- in a sterile, creepy sort of way.

The Smith building contrasts sharply with them- and it's right next door. For Albany, it's unique, being the only deco skyscraper in the area. It's surrounded by Victorian row houses, fronts against the State Capital Building (done as a tribute to Versailles), and is flanked by one of the ugliest buildings ever- One Commece Plaza- an uninspired International Style glass block.

Something to look at if you're ever in the area.