The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has received a grant of $35,000 to help in its effort to renovate the rundown structure at 65 Phila St. in Saratoga Springs.
The Phila Street building is the first property to be rehabilitated under the Foundation’s new Historic Property Redevelopment Program.
“This generous grant from The 1772 Foundation provides critical funding for the successful rehabilitation of 65 Phila St. The net proceeds from the sale of this property will be reinvested into a future preservation project, potentially another endangered building, that will benefit the community,” said Samantha Bosshart, Foundation executive director.
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation was one of 25 preservation organizations across the country to receive a grant from The 1772 Foundation.
The 1772 Foundation, based in Connecticut, works to ensure the safe passage of our historic buildings and farmland for future generations. It is named in honor of its first restoration project, Liberty Hall in New Jersey, which was built in 1772. The 1772 Foundation plays a leading role in promoting HPRPs, also known as revolving funds, nationwide.
“Receiving this grant with these notable historic preservation organizations from across the country is a testament to the significant work that the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is doing. These funds will help the Foundation continue to be a strong resource to our community as we have been for the last 45 years,” said Adam Favro, president of the foundation board of directors.
Last year, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation purchased the 1851 Alexander A. Patterson House. Officials said it is important because of its associations with early development of the city, spring waters, and the Jewish community.
The Foundation will complete environmental abatement, make structural repairs, and complete an exterior restoration prior to selling it to someone who will complete the interior rehabilitation and be a good steward for years to come, officials said.
The Foundation’s Revive 65 Committee has evaluated the existing conditions of the building, including an environmental assessment and window survey, as well as completed architectural drawings, existing and proposed.
In March, the City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission approved the Foundation’s historic review application. The building permit to perform initial work was approved at the end of April.
Environmental abatement work is planned to take place in the upcoming month.
People can support the Foundation’s efforts to Revive 65 by making a donation or becoming a member. In addition to preserving this historic resource of the community, the Foundation is documenting the process and the project be the source of multiple educational programs.
Visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030 for more information or to join. People can also follow the Foundation on social media, and join the email list to get regular progress updates.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
This year, The 1772 Foundation awarded some $1.1 million. Organizations that received HRPP funding include: Cincinnati Preservation Association (Ohio), Cleveland Restoration Society (Ohio), Columbus Landmarks (Ohio), Fairmount Park Conservancy (Pa.), Galveston Historical Foundation (Texas), The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation (Ga.), Historic Augusta Incorporated (Ga.), Historic Macon Foundation (Ga.), Historic Richmond (Va.), Historic Wilmington Foundation (N.C.), The L’Enfant Trust, (Washington, D.C.), Meridian Architectural Trust (Mo.), National Main Street Center (Ill.), New Bern Preservation Foundation (N.C.), Partners for Sacred Places (Pa.), Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans (La.), Restore Mobile (Ala.), Preserve Montana, and New York City Historic Properties Fund.