History

The Kenmore Hotel building, a majestic, sprawling Victorian building of decorative brick masonry, balconies and roof cresting, was constructed in 1878 by entrepreneur Adam Blake, the son of a slave, and expanded over time. 

Flamboyant owner Bob Murphy in 1922 started the Rain-bo Room, a lively nightclub that broadcast music through one of the nation’s first radio stations, WGY. Because of this wide exposure, entertainers clamored to perform there. Big names like Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington and Sophie Tucker appeared at the Rain-bo Room, which closed in 1947 as the Big Band era waned.

Over time, additions, acquisitions and merging of space united the property into a massive complex occupying one city block.

In 2017, Jeff Buell of Redburn Development approached Katie O’Malley Maloney of Katie O’ Weddings & Events about being part of this downtown Albany revitalization project. Katie and her husband, Nate Maloney, along with business partner, Casey Benson, worked together on a plan that would make Redburn’s opportunity a reality. The concept for a one-of-a-kind wedding and event venue at 76 North Pearl Street was born.

In September of 2019, WGM74 LLC was formed to operate and manage the property known as “The Kenmore Ballroom”; a name that pays tribute to the historic significance of the building.