Heat pump showroom moves into former Freihofer site

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A heat pump showroom has opened in the former Freihofer Baking Company building in Albany. The facility, owned by Lucent Building Supply and opened on Tuesday, is part of a $6.5-million transformation of the site.

The 1,200-square-foot showroom is located at 242 Spruce Street in the city’s Sheridan Hollow neighborhood. The showroom will be dedicated to supplying high-efficiency Midea heat pump equipment and after-sales services, including parts.

With new all-electric construction requirements going into effect next year, Lucent Building Supply also hopes to use the facility as a center for contractor training. The technical programs would reportedly equip industry professionals with updated and necessary installation and maintenance expertise.

As part of the showroom’s opening, Lucent Building Supply has launched a contractor training and certification workshop series. The first training will be held on November 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in getting hands-on tech training with the company’s products can RSVP by emailing jrunko@lucentbuildingsupply.com.

“This showroom opens at a pivotal time for builders, contractors, and developers navigating New York’s shift to all-electric construction,” said Lucent Building Supply co-owner Patrick Chiou. “By offering immediate access to high-efficiency systems and hands-on training, we’re aiming to help industry professionals stay ahead of changing customer demands.”

The 242 Spruce Street building had previously been the site of the Charles Freihofer Baking Company until 1988. In 2023, officials unveiled 38 market-rate apartments and ground-floor commercial space, where the current showroom now sits.