Center Square & Hudson/Park in Albany in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
216 Lancaster Street
Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, October 10, 2026
1. 216 Lancaster Street Marker
George G. Davidson. Cashier
Mechanics and Farmers Bank
1889
Erected by Historic Albany Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 42° 39.297′ N, 73° 45.953′ W. Marker is in Albany, New York, in Albany County. It is in Center Square & Hudson/Park. It is on Lancaster Street 0.2 miles west of Lark Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 216 Lancaster Street, Albany NY 12210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Glynn Mansion (about
this page online
Regarding 216 Lancaster Street. This house was built in 1889 for George G. and Julia E. Davidson. George Davidson later became closely associated with Albany’s Mechanics & Farmers banking institutions and by 1909 was serving as secretary and treasurer of the Mechanics & Farmers Savings Bank. Contemporary banking directories also list him among the officers or directors connected with the Mechanics & Farmers Bank. The house forms part of the 204–220 Lancaster Street row built by James Eaton in 1888–89. Albany Architecture describes the row as one of Eaton’s final projects, notes the influence of H. H. Richardson in its rusticated brownstone design, and records a local tradition that some of the stonework was salvaged from the earlier State Capitol
Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, October 10, 2026
2. 216 Lancaster Street with Marker
Sources:
Rand McNally Bankers Directory, January 1907. Lists George G. Davidson among the directors of Albany’s Mechanics & Farmers Bank, independently confirming his connection with that institution.
Rand McNally Bankers Directory, January 1909. Lists George G. Davidson as secretary and treasurer of the Mechanics & Farmers Savings Bank, documenting the extent of his later banking career.
Waite, Diana S., ed. Albany Architecture: A Guide to the City. Mount Ida Press, 1993. The entry for 204–220 Lancaster Street identifies James Eaton as builder of the 1888–89 row, notes H. H. Richardson’s influence on its rusticated brownstone design, and records the local tradition that some of the stonework was salvaged from the earlier State Capitol after its demolition in 1883.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
