Courtesy Universal Preservation Hall
Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) the new performance center in Saratoga Springs, opened on Feb. 29 before a sellout crowd that was entertained by singer-songwriter Roseanne Cash.
While the renovation and construction is not quite complete, it is finished enough to begin a season that already includes well known acts from across musical genres, and also standup comedians.
The transformation from 19th century High Victorian Gothic church to a 700-seat, state-of-the-art performance facility was long and expensive, but worthwhile, officials said.
The opening of UPH, at 25 Washington St., capped a $13.5 million effort by community members to turn the church building into a performance space. Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly helped cut the ceremonial ribbon before the concert.
“When we saw it was possible to open on a Leap Day, we leapt,” said Philip Morris, CEO of the Proctors Collaborative in Schenectady, of which UPH is a subsidiary, during a new conference before the concert.
The theater, with a 45-foot-high ceiling, occupies the second floor of the building. The building was constructed in 1871 as a Methodist church, the site for annual regional church meetings, and a speakers’ venue that hosted presidents and abolitionists, politicians and others. Its bell tower, equipped with a Troy-made Meneely bell, was the tallest structure in Saratoga Springs.
After 100 years or so, the Methodists sold the building to the Universal Baptist Church who used it for years and then abandoned it. By 2000, the building was condemned, in danger of collapse.
Rescue work been in 2003 with the creation of the nonprofit Universal Preservation Hall. Repairs began that year. Fundraising began with a $1 million anonymous gift. Donations from the general public have been augmented by grants form foundations, government agencies, the Universal Baptist Church, and the Landmarks Conservancy, among others.
Architects Lacey, Thaler, Reilly and Wilson, an Albany firm specializing in preservation architecture, designed the new facility. Bonaccio Construction was the general contractor on the project.
The building also has a community event space and will offer year-round music and entertainment in downtown Saratoga Springs. Administrative offices, a glass atrium and an elevator for increased accessibility are included.
Movable platforms allow the space to open up, depending on the requirements of any given performance. A specifically designed sound system was also installed.
Tickets are on sale for all upcoming events. The venue website is universalpreservationhall.org.