Dear Friends,

Hello! I am writing to you today to invite you to BUILT 2026, of which I am the Honorary Chair. This is always one of my favorite events of the year! I have attended this event for many years, and shown my art and jewelry in the auction and gift shop numerous times. It feels great to be amongst so many talented artists. I love that Historic Albany Foundation features the work of young, budding artists as well as the varied work of more seasoned local artists.

I have lived in Center Square since 1990. I fell in love with Lark Street as a teen, went to the University at Albany, and ended up finding my livelihood on Lark Street when I opened my store, Elissa Halloran Designs, in 2001. When I was looking for fixtures for my store, I discovered the Parts Warehouse, run by HAF. I found a beautiful sink to house my handmade soaps. HAF employees kindly delivered the sink to me. The Warehouse is a treasure trove for homeowners, contractors, and artists. Finding the right piece to enhance your home or create artwork helps HAF to fulfill their mission, and helps to preserve little pieces of Albany's history.

In 2007, when I was looking to purchase a building to give my store a permanent home, I noticed an HAF plaque on the building - it was built in 1848, and is marked historic. It is by no means a grand home like many of the other historic buildings in the area, but I love it and have made it my and my store's home for almost 20 years now. In my 25 years as a business owner and 36 years as a resident of Center Square, I have met so many wonderful people who care about the beauty and history of this area-neighbors, business owners, real estate agents, visitors, politicians and more. During my time here, I have served on the board of the Lark Street Bid three times. I know many people who have worked for HAF, or who have served on the board of HAF. I recognize the importance of these organizations, along with many others, who strive to maintain and preserve the beauty and history of this area for future generations to enjoy.

Being an artist myself, I think the arts are all-important to the fabric of life. HAF has embraced the arts by showcasing the broad work of so many local artists at BUILT over the past 20+ years. It is a seamless and symbiotic relationship. This event brings artists and the public together to celebrate the magnificence of this area and helps to create discussions about the past, present, and future of our city ... so please come support HAF and the artists who give their talent to this event.

Historic Albany Foundation is planning activities for everyone including the annual art exhibit and auction, a cocktail reception that will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 8th, as well as the Holiday Shop, and free public gallery hours. BUILT will again be hosted at the Emmanuel Baptist Church located at 275 State Street in Albany’s historic Center Square neighborhood. In addition, the Honorary Committee/Sponsor pre-party will be held next door to the church at the David Hinchen Gallery, located at 261 State Street, a building that sat vacant for over ten years until David lovingly restored it as a multi-family dwelling. We are excited to be able to highlight these two buildings as part of the weekend long event.

I invite you to join me on the Honorary Committee this year as we celebrate the good works of Historic Albany Foundation to fulfill its mission to preserve and protect the architecture in Albany. To join me in supporting HAF, please use the enclosed envelope, or to securely donate online, please visit historic-albany.org/built. I look forward to welcoming you to The David Hinchen Gallery at 5:30pm and Emanuel Baptist Church on Saturday, November 7th for our exhibition and auction of the very best art representing the architecture of the Capital Region by some of the most talented local artists – all art sales equally benefit the mission of Historic Albany Foundation and the artists themselves.

Please respond by Friday, September 4, 2026 for your name to appear in the invitation. Thank you in advance for your continued support. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the HAF staff at 518-465-0876.

Sincerely,

Elissa Halloran

2026 Built Honorary Committee