Courtesy Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has purchased a dilapidated property at 65 Phila St. in Saratoga Springs and has plans to renovate it.
The group stepped forward after objecting to plans to demolish it. Since the Foundation was established in 1977 it has been a voice for preserving the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
The Foundation has advocated for the preservation of 65 and 69 Phila St. since the inception of its endangered buildings list in 1998. The group hopes to get the building in shape for a capable buyer who would put it to best use.
The 1851 Italianate-style house at 65 Phila Street was constructed by Alexander A. Patterson, an architect and builder, according to the Foundation. That same year the brick Italianate-style house located at 69 Phila St. was constructed by mason Robert Hunter. Both houses are listed as contributing buildings to the East Side Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
At a news conference in late May, Samantha Bosshart, executive director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, said “Now after more than 30 years, both of these buildings will receive the much needed attention they deserve.”
The Foundation has been an advocate for endangered buildings including 25 Washington St., which is now Universal Preservation Hall; 5 Clinton St., a row house; 117 Grand Ave., the former station of the Adirondack Railway Co.; and 15 Church St., now a popular restaurant.
The Foundation not only advocated for these buildings, but at times undertook the rehabilitations themselves.
According to the Foundation, Tte prior owners purchased 69 Phila St. in 1994 for $41,000 and 65 Phila St. for $125,000 in 2002, but failed to maintain the structures and removed architectural features and portions of the buildings as they deteriorated.
The Foundation opposed proposals to demolish both buildings to construct new buildings. At a city Design Review Commission meeting on March 24, the owners withdrew an application to demolish 69 Phila St. because it had been sold to owners who plan to restore it. The Foundation said it was contacted by the new owners about plans to preserve the house.
At that same meeting, the Design Review Commission, which is charged with preserving the historic, architectural, and cultural resources of Saratoga Springs, unanimously denied the proposal to demolish 65 Phila St.
While the proposed demolitions were being reviewed by the Design Review Commission, the Foundation said it received widespread support from the community to preserve the two buildings.
Mark Haworth, an investor and a member of the Foundation, had an interest in preserving the buildings.
“Since moving to Saratoga Springs, I have wanted to see the buildings preserved. In fact, many years ago I attempted to purchase both for the purpose of preserving them, but was unsuccessful in negotiating a reasonable price with the owners,” said Haworth. “I believe in the mission of the Foundation and with the reduced price I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for the Foundation to take the lead in preserving the property.”
He provided the necessary low-interest financing to allow the Foundation to acquire the property for $235,000.
“This is an exciting opportunity to take on this challenging rehabilitation. We will develop plans working with local architects, hire contractors, present to the Design Review Commission, and more,” said Favro.
“The first task is to do a complete evaluation of the condition of the building since the last time I was inside was in 2017 when the Foundation attempted to assist a potential buyer by underwriting a structural report,” said Bosshart. “Our goal is to make it safe for future owners and the neighborhood, something that is long overdue.”
The Foundation plans to start with environmental remediation, necessary structural repairs, and a new roof. Construction costs have risen significantly in the last 18 months so the Foundation will lean on the community for financial and in-kind support in addition to utilizing funds they have raised over the past few years to undertake a special project such as this.
“Our friends and members rallied when the houses were proposed to be demolished. We hope that our community will rally to revive 65,” said Favro.
The Foundation wants to complete the exterior rehabilitation, including repairing and painting the clapboard and restoring windows and the front porch before listing the property for sale. “It is our goal to remove the challenges associated with this property and sell it to someone who will complete the interior and be a good steward for years to come,” said Bosshart.
The Foundation’s initial goal is to raise $250,000, the preliminary estimated cost to complete the identified scope of work. However, that number could change once the Foundation has the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the building and get cost estimates.
To support the Foundation’s efforts to Revive 65 by making a donation or becoming a member, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.