The Albany Regional Museum building was built in 1887 and originally housed the S. E. Young Company at First Avenue and Broadalbin Street. In 1912, the building was moved to its present location at Second Avenue and Lyon Street, the area formerly called Chinatown. The move was a distance of three blocks and took 26 days from the time the building was jacked up to the time it was set down. Laborers used a team of horses to roll the building on huge logs. The building was so wide that the power and light company had to remove some poles to allow it to pass through the streets without causing structural damage. Bets were made on the time and possible damage on the move.

Purchased in July 1999 by the Albany Regional Museum following a generous donation from Bill and Doris Scharpf, the museum has attracted many volunteers and donors who have provided the means to make the Albany Regional Museum a community treasure.

Future plans include restoring the 1912 facade of the building, shown above. The main entrance to the museum is now located on the north (parking lot) side of the building. Also, there is a need to strengthen the building's foundation, add an elevator to make the second floor more accessible, provide handicap-accessible restrooms, and a second stairway (for safety considerations).