Key facts
- The 28-foot Nipper dog statue, atop an Albany warehouse since the late 1950s, is a beloved local landmark.
- The building is unused, in disrepair, and has a caution placard for first responders.
- Ongoing litigation and the building's condition raise concerns about the statue's future.
- Efforts are underway to list Nipper and his building as historic landmarks for protection.
- Moving the roughly four-ton statue would be logistically challenging and expensive.
Albany, N.Y. — The future of Nipper, a beloved 28-foot-tall dog statue that has perched atop a warehouse for nearly seven decades, is uncertain as the building faces disrepair and legal challenges.
The statue, a replica of the terrier listening to a phonograph from RCA's famous 'His Master's Voice' image, has become a cherished symbol of local pride in Albany. Residents like Cody Hitt consider Nipper synonymous with the city, and his likeness appears on various merchandise sold downtown.
However, the building supporting Nipper has been unused for at least a decade, showing significant wear. A caution placard has been placed on the entrance, signaling potential risks for first responders. Years of foreclosure litigation have further complicated the situation, with lawyers involved not immediately available for comment.
Cara Macri, director of preservation services for the Historic Albany Foundation, expressed concern, noting that Nipper's attachment to the building makes his removal difficult if the structure is compromised. The foundation has listed the building as 'in peril.'
In response to growing concerns, Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs' office is working to designate Nipper as a city historic landmark, which could offer protection. Additionally, a state board has nominated the warehouse district, including Nipper's building, for state and national historic registers, potentially making it eligible for preservation tax credits.
Despite these efforts, moving the approximately four-ton statue is considered a significant logistical and financial hurdle. Potential relocation sites like a downtown redevelopment area or the riverfront have been suggested, but the scale of the statue remains a considerable factor.