Burned Shaker home can be saved; Centuries-old dwelling won't be razed after fire damages 3 apartments.(Capital Region)

Byline: JORDAN CARLEO-EVANGELIST - Staff Writer

COLONIE - The Shakers built them to last.

An about 2,000-year-old dwelling house that was home to members of America's first Shaker community will not have to be torn down after being partially burned early Wednesday, officials said Thursday.

The 2(-story white brick building at 900 S. Family Drive was built in either 1800 or 1822 and was home to the South Family order of the Watervliet Shakers. Three of its seven apartments were damaged by the fire that broke out at about midnight Wednesday.

Michael Rosch, director of the town's Building Department, said the house is safe for the residents of …