Center Square & Hudson/Park in Albany in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Remembering John J. Wagner
Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, October 4, 2026
1. Remembering John J. Wagner Marker
The Waldorf Tuxedo Company has been meeting the formal wear needs of the capital region since 1936, and has been located in this historic brownstone since 1965.
Owner John Wagner was instrumental in the creation of the Lark Street Merchants Association and many of the programs that have become signature events on Lark Street. He was one of the original members appointed to Albany's Historic Resources Commission in 1988, serving as Vice Chair until 2013. He was also a member of the City of Albany Trolley, Serv-Albany Day, and Tricentennial Committees, and was a board member of Park Playhouse, Inc. and the Police Athletic League. He was a stalwart advocate for our city and the historic neighborhoods that make it special.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is April 14, 1929.
Location. 42° 39.28′ N, 73° 45.927′ W. Marker is in Albany, New York, in Albany County. It is in Center Square & Hudson/Park. It is at the intersection of Lark Street (U.S. 9W) and Lancaster Street, on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Capital District. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 204 Lancaster Street (a few steps from this marker); 216 Lancaster Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 168 Chestnut Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Birthplace of Erastus Corning II (about 300 feet away); 165 Chestnut Street (about 300 feet away); 40 Willett Street (about 300 feet away); 42 Willett Street (about 400 feet away); Glynn Mansion (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
Regarding Remembering John J. Wagner. John J.
Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, October 10, 2026
2. Remembering John J. Wagner Marker
Marker is to the right of the door, under the window.
Sources:
Albany Times Union, “Churchill: Diagnosis ends an era on Lark Street’s Waldorf Tuxedo,” March 28, 2026. Gives additional history of Wagner’s purchase of the business in 1960, its move to Lark Street in 1965, and his broader influence on the neighborhood.
Albany Times Union, “Wagner was Lark Street presence,” February 7, 2015. Provides a biographical account of Wagner’s ownership of Waldorf Tuxedo, his role in the Lark Street business community, and his reputation as a neighborhood advocate.
Legacy.com / Albany Times Union obituary for John J. Wagner, February 7, 2015. Confirms his death date and age, ownership of Waldorf Tuxedo, involvement in the Lark Street Merchants Association, and service on numerous Albany civic boards and commissions. Legacy
Spectrum News, “Tuxedo Shop Owner’s Legacy Endures on Lark Street,” February 11, 2015. Describes Wagner’s role in strengthening Lark Street’s business community and his involvement in the development of LarkFest.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Waldorf Tuxedo Company. (Submitted on October 18, 2026, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on October 11, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. 2. submitted on October 12, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
