Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl Great Success!

By admin | Published: October 19, 2011

On Saturday October 15, 2011 the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) held its first annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl to raise funds for the Spencer Trask Memorial & Spirit of Life Restoration Campaign. Over 80 people attended the event, which kicked-off from the Old Bryan Inn on Maple Street, who served one free drink to participants on the patio. The day’s weather held up early on, allowing crawlers to get a head start on the architectural Scavenger Hunt on the crawl route through downtown Saratoga Springs. After stopping at eight bars – all of which offered discounted drink special to participants – everyone convened at Irish Times on Phila Street. At the Irish Times, raffle prizes were drawn by Samantha Bosshart, SSPF executive director with Valerie Collins of the Saratoga Springboard, the two judges also announced top winners. Linda Harvey-Opiteck and her sisters won best team prize for their Scavenger Hunt entry and were treated to a gift-certificate to Max London’s on Broadway. Martin Rodgers won the best individual Scavenger Hunt entry. Rodgers received a major award—the “Leg Lamp” made famous in the film A Christmas Story. Rodger’s said he’d be sending the award home to his dad who lives in Ohio…a fitting tribute…”He’s gonna love it!” said Rodgers.

Nicole Cunningham (shown) won the first photo entry prize, two tour-only tickets to the SSPF Candlelight House Tour on Friday December 2, 2011 from 5:30-9pm.

Despite some inclement weather toward the end of the evening, the feedback from participants was very positive and we look forward to our second annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl in 2012.

Tune in again for photo updates!

 

 

 

 

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PINTS FOR PRESERVATION PUB CRAWL

By admin | Published: October 6, 2011

When: October 15, 2011
Start: 2pm at the OLD BRYAN INN
Where: Downtown Saratoga Springs

TICKETS:
$25 Individual Tickets
$90 Five (5) Tickets
To benefit the Spencer Trask Memorial & Spirit of Life Restoration Campaign.

THREE WAYS TO REGISTER:
Online: SSPF On-Line Store via PayPal
By Phone: 518-587-5030
Day Of: Walk-up registration from 12n-3:30pm at OLD BRYAN INN
After 3:30pm, register at the IRISH TIMES

Pub Crawl Route Includes Discount Drinks at ALL the Following:
Old Bryan Inn                    2-2:30pm
Max London’s                    2:30-3:30pm
Cantina                                 3:30-4pm
Maestro’s                             4-4:30pm
Tin & Lint                             4:30-5pm
Gaffney’s Restaurant       5-5:30pm
Seven Horse Pub              5:30-6pm
Bailey’s                                 6-6:30pm
Irish Times (Last Stop)  6:30-7pm

Route and map will be given to each participant upon day-of registration.

SPREAD THE WORD:
Download this FLYER to distribute to friends or around the office OR
share this LINK!

Pub Crawl logo created by Patrick Jankowski of Jank Designs.

 

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Foundation Offers $50,000 to Encourage Rehab of 66 Franklin Street

By admin | Published: October 3, 2011

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) announced that it will award a $50,000  grant to encourage  the successful rehabilitation of the historic Winans-Crippen House located at 66 Franklin Street, which has been put up for sale by its current owner.  On September 13, 2011, the Board of Directors voted to provide a grant for rehabilitation.  The grant is available to a purchaser, or even the current owner, after successful rehabilitation of the house for an approved use, in compliance with the City’s Historic Review requirements, and upon issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

“This grant opportunity is part of the Foundation’s effort to find a buyer for the Winans-Crippen House who appreciates its value to the Franklin Square area and has the creative vision to see the potential of a unique historic property in the heart of downtown,”   said Samantha Bosshart, SSPF executive director.

“The Preservation Foundation hopes to leverage its $50,000 commitment to secure additional funding for rehabilitation of the property, “said Bosshart.

“We know that rehabilitation of this house is a daunting proposal. But look around Saratoga and you’ll find many remarkable success stories including restoration of the Batcheller Mansion, Universal Preservation Hall, and the row houses on Clinton Street.  We are determined to add the Winans-Crippen House to this list.”

The current owner, Joseph Boff, withdrew an application for demolition that had been before the City’s Design Review Commission (DRC) since late 2008, citing his desire to sell the property.  Late last year, the Saratoga Springs City Court ordered Boff to secure the property from the elements and unauthorized entry, as well as to take measures to maintain its structural integrity.  In April of this year, the State Supreme Court issued an injunction against demolition of the house, absent an approval from the DRC, or an order from the State Supreme Court.   The City Court recently ordered Boff to bring the structure into compliance with the New York State Property Maintenance Code.

All inquiries concerning the property should be directed to Bill Walker, the listing agent at Roohan Realty at 518-587-4500.  The Preservation Foundation has a substantial amount of information on the property available on its website at:  www.saratogapreservation.org.

 The Winans-Crippen House was built in 1871 by the family of local merchant David Winans, who retained as their architect J. D. Stevens, the designer of several notable structures in the city, including the United States Hotel on Broadway.  Built in the Second Empire style popular around the time of the Civil War, the house was expanded by an addition to the north in about 1877.  The house is a contributing structure in the West Side – Franklin Square Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is included within the City of Saratoga Springs’ Historic District.  It is an important part of the Franklin Square area streetscape, which showcases the architectural history of Saratoga Springs in the 19th Century.  It has been recognized as having national importance by the National Trust for Historic Preservation which has highlighted it as a “threatened” structure in the Trust’s magazine, Preservation.

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COMMUNITY MEETING

By admin | Published: September 27, 2011

Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial Restoration Campaign
Monday, OCTOBER 3rd, 2011   7pm
Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway

Please join SSPF, along with friends, partners, and volunteers to learn more about the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial Restoration Campaign. Both SSPF and City of Saratoga Springs have partnered together for this four year-long project to preserve the Memorial in Congress Park. In addition to partnering with the City, Saratoga Springboard has also selected this worth while project as their 2011 award winner. Saratoga Springboard will aid SSPF in increasing awareness for the project as well as create fundraising tools and events that will benefit the restoration campaign.

Through an illustrated presentation, the public will learn more about the history of the Memorial, its past care and current condition, and hear more details regarding the budget and four year plan; including an unveiling of the newly restored sculpture in 2015 upon its centennial anniversary. Community members will be invited to ask questions during a moderated Q&A session and may sign up to volunteer or participate in the restoration campaign. We look forward to seeing you at this important meeting.

Click Here to learn more about the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial Restoration Campaign.

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Spencer Trask Memorial & Spirit of Life Restoration Campaign

By admin | Published: September 21, 2011

Spencer Trask Memorial & Spirit of Life - Historic Postcard Image

 

June 26, 2015 will mark the centennial of the Spencer Trask Memorial and in preparation, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) has partnered with the City of Saratoga Springs to restore this nationally and locally significant memorial. 

In 1913, Katrina Trask, philanthropist, Yaddo founder, and Saratoga resident, along with George Foster Peabody, commissioned the Memorial to honor her late husband, Spencer Trask and his efforts to protect and preserve Saratoga’s natural springs while further beautifying Congress Park.  The work for the Memorial was completed through the artistic collaboration of two significant Americans, sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect, Henry Bacon. The Spencer Trask Memorial was a true partnership during the early career of these two friends, who also designed and executed the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.  French created the bronze sculpture, Spirit of Life, while Bacon designed the architectural and landscaped surrounds. The Memorial was completed in 1915, the same year the City of Saratoga Springs was incorporated.

In 1982, a well-intended cleaning of the Spirit of Life sculpture was started by the Department of Public Works, but was stopped by concerned citizens because an inappropriate method was being used.  That was when the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation became partners with the City to undertake the first restoration.  SSPF spearheaded a fundraising campaign to underwrite the cost of the restoration.  In 1983, the Spirit of Life was repatinated and received a protective coating under the supervision of nationally recognized bronze conservator, Phoebe Dent Weil.  In 1984, the firm Crawford and Stearns, architects and preservation consultants, was hired to develop a restoration plan that included addressing the Bacon designed architectural surround and landscape features.  Based on their recommendations portions of the surround were repaired and/or replaced.

That same year as part of the effort, SSPF sponsored a Spirit of Life Education Program for the public and the Saratoga Springs School System.  The program was presented by Michael Richman, author of Daniel Chester French, An American Sculptor. 

Nearly 30 years later, it is once again time to restore the Spencer Trask Memorial.  A steering committee made up of city representatives, SSPF members and concerned citizens has been formed to oversee the restoration.  Members include: Samantha Bosshart, Donna Buckley, Cindy Corbett, Jim Gold, Richard Kline, Dee Sarno, Holly Schwarz-Lawton, Skip Scirocco, Julie Stokes, and Jere Tatich.   Thus far the committee has received preliminary cost estimates for restoration of the Spirit of Life sculpture and the masonry elements including the surround, the east balustrade and the rambling creek that leads to the pond.  

A large portion of the Memorial that needs to be assessed is the landscape, which was an integral feature of the memorial. The health of the trees, including the large white pines behind the sculpture which may date from its dedication needs to be evaluated.  A preservation landscape plan also is necessary to determine the original pathways and plantings and best restoration treatments.  Finch Paper of Glens Falls has generously offered the services of its professional foresters to assess the trees at no cost to the City.

SSPF anticipates that the total restoration will cost approximately $225,000 and will take four years to complete.  SSPF is pleased that the City of Saratoga Springs has included $25,000 in its proposed Capital Project Budget to help with initial restoration efforts and is hopeful that it will provide $25,000 for the three following years.  SSPF will undertake a large fundraising campaign that will involve reaching out to private donors – residents, visitors and local businesses – host special events as well as apply for grants.

Furthermore, after submitting an application to Saratoga Springboard, the Spencer Trask Memorial & Spirit of Life Restoration Campaign was selected as that group’s project of the year. Saratoga Springboard is a group of talented professionals who will lend their varied skills in promotion, marketing, and fundraising to aid in increasing awareness of the restoration efforts. We are very excited at this unique opportunity to work with Saratoga Springboard which is dedicated to improving Saratoga’s quality of life by working with local non-profits. .

For those who would like to learn more about Daniel Chester French and his connections to Saratoga Springs, Anne Cathcart, Curatorial Assistant of Chesterwood, the home and studio of Daniel Chester French in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, will be presenting at the Saratoga History Museum on September 27, 7pm at the Canfield Casino as part of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Program Series.  

A fun way of raising funds and awareness for the restoration is the SSPF’s upcoming pub crawl that will be held on Saturday, October 15th, beginning at 2pm as a portion of the proceeds will be designated to go towards the Memorial’s restoration.

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will formally kick off its restoration efforts with a community meeting on Monday, October 3rd at 7pm at Saratoga Arts Center.   Those who want to learn more or who are interested in participating in the restoration efforts are encouraged to attend.

The Spencer Trask Memorial, 1913-1915, serves as a constant reminder of our civic responsibility to preserve our nationally and locally significant resources, to give back to the community, to have pride in creative partnerships, and find comfort and respite in beauty. As the The Saratoga Sun published in June, 1915 “The sun shining upon it gave added beauty and effectiveness and the statue will always be, besides being a memorial to Mr. Trask, one of the beauties of the parks, which will attract the eye of all who come to this city.” SSPF and the City hope that the public will support restoration efforts of the symbol of our city. 

For more information about the project, getting involved or upcoming events please contact Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at (518) 587-5030 or email sbosshart@saratogapreservation.org.

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172 Ballston Avenue – Neglect is Never a Solution

By admin | Published: August 26, 2011

Many may have read the article that was featured in the Saratogian on Monday, August 22nd regarding the demolition of 172 Ballston Avenue.  

This letter was submitted to the Saratogian’s Reader’s View to provide perspective.

August 26, 2011

 NEGLECT IS NEVER THE SOLUTION

To ask why the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) is opposing the demolition of 66 Franklin Street and not 172 Ballston Avenue is a reasonable question.

The Winans-Crippen House, 66 Franklin Street, is located in the local historic district and is a contributing structure to the Franklin Square/West Side Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house at 172 Ballston Avenue is not.  It is located in an architectural review district, which does not provide the same protections.

 The Winans-Crippen House is significant for two reasons.  It was designed by J.D. Stevens, the architect of the United States Hotel, and is one of the few remaining examples of his work.  Also, it is in the Second Empire style and tells the story of the architectural development of Franklin Square.  It still retains much of its original exterior historic detail. 

Little was known about the history or date of construction of 172 Ballston Avenue at the time of its initial demolition application to the DRC in 2007.  While it may prove to date back as far back as 1810, its architectural integrity has been compromised and most of its architectural detail has been lost.  The loss of architectural features and the applicant’s demonstration that the building was “economically and practically unfeasible” were the basis for DRC approval of demolition

While preserving historic buildings is important, preserving the integrity of demolition approval process is equally as important.  That is why SSPF sought decisions from City and NYS Supreme Courts to prevent the demolition of 66 Franklin Street.  Without prior approval by the DRC, City Court does not have the jurisdiction to issue a demolition order; only the NYS Supreme Court can order a demolition through Section 382.  The owner of 66 Franklin Street chose not to complete the DRC process and withdrew his application.  The same process needs to be followed for 172 Ballston Avenue.  While it may have received initial approvals for demolition and lot subdivision, those approvals have lapsed.  Without the DRC demolition approval, City Court cannot issue a demolition order.  A Section 382 application needs to be filed in NYS Supreme Court or the owner must return to the DRC for approval.

Unfortunately, both of these properties are examples of a larger citywide problem – lack of enforcement of the NYS Property Maintenance Code resulting in demolition by neglect.   This code requires a minimum level of building maintenance to prevent its falling into disrepair.  Failure to enforce the Property Maintenance Code allows owners to neglect the condition of their buildings until they become a blight on the neighborhood, thereby diminishing the potential for restoration.   As a result, the community is left with a building that no longer contributes to the rich architectural heritage that makes Saratoga Springs special.  Early intervention by the City to enforce the Property Maintenance Code can prevent a demolition from being the only solution.   SSPF wants to work with the City to prevent this avoidable loss of our City’s historic resources. 

Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

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There’s Hope For Saving 66 Franklin

By admin | Published: August 16, 2011

Joseph Boff, owner of the historic Winans-Crippen House at 66 Franklin, has withdrawn his application to the city’s Design Review Commission to demolish the building, saying he now aims to sell it. He has asked the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to assist in finding a buyer, and the organization has agreed.

“We have an opportunity to find a buyer who appreciates the historic qualities and potential of a property located in an historic neighborhood in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs.” said Samantha Bosshart, the Preservation Foundation’s executive director. “We will do everything we can to work with Mr. Boff and his realtor, Roohan Realty, to find a way to preserve the Winans-Crippen House and develop the adjacent lot in a way that complements the Franklin Square neighborhood and contributes to the vitality of our city.”

The Foundation is now preparing a marketing plan for the property, which Bosshart says is historically important and essential to save for two reasons. First, the building was designed by prominent Saratoga Springs architect John D. Stevens, who also designed the now lost United States Hotel and the Grand Central Hotel, two of the grand 19th century resort hotels that once lined Broadway. “Only a handful of structures designed by Stevens remain in Saratoga Springs,” said Bosshart.

Second, the building is listed  on the National Register of Historic Places as a “contributing building” to the Franklin Square-West Side Historic District, which means it’s essential to the historic character of the neighborhood. Built in 1871 by local merchant David Winans, the building is designed in the Second Empire style that was popular at the time of the Civil War.  It is an important part of the Franklin Square area streetscape, which showcases the architectural development of Saratoga Springs in the 19th century from the early Greek Revival style houses built in the early 1800s to the Queen Anne style houses built towards the end of that century.  The house has been recognized as having national importance by the National Trust for Historic Preservation which has highlighted it as a “threatened” structure in the Trust’s magazine, Preservation.

Although damaged from weather and interior demolition, the house is structurally sound and can be repaired, according to Donald Friedman, a structural engineer and author with expertise in historic buildings whom the Preservation Foundation retained to evaluate the building.

Bosshart pointed to the restoration of the Batcheller Mansion – a High Victorian Gothic mansion adjacent to Congress Park – as an example of what creative and entrepreneurial people can achieve when they are determined to save a historically important structure. “This is the kind of solution that ultimately can save the Winans-Crippen House,” she said.

The Foundation believes the building potentially could be used for a variety of uses, including office space or condominiums. Initial steps of the marketing plan are to feature the building on the Foundation’s website www.saratogapreservation.org, list the property on national historic property real estate sites, and look for other organizations with which to partner in saving the structure.

Boff instituted a demolition proceeding on the building in November, 2008, but in accordance with a city court order last October has since taken steps to stabilize it and ensure that it poses no threat to public health or safety.

For more information about the Winans-Crippen House, contact Bill Walker at Roohan Realty at (518) 587-4500.

See Daily Gazette article on the same topic at our Facebook page.

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Owner Halts Plan to Raze House

By admin | Published: August 15, 2011

 

Daily Gazette, August 13, 2011 by Lee Coleman, Reporter

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Summer Sunday Strolling Tours Are Here!

By admin | Published: August 14, 2011

Strolls begin at 10:30am
$5 members/ $8 non-members
Buy 4 get one FREE!
Strolls are rain or shine. Allow 90 minutes for each stroll. Strolls require walking and standing, and cover varied terrain.
Registration preferred, but not required.

Summer Sunday Stroll Schedule:
Here Lies Saratoga’s Past, Part I: Greenridge Cemetery
June 26
Gloria May
Lincoln Avenue, Sackett Gates, Cemetery Entrance

A Campus & Queen Annes: Union Avenue
July 3
Linda Trela
South East Corner of Union Avenue & Circular Street
[CLICK HERE] to see Post-Star article

Here Lies Saratoga’s Past, Part II: The Greenridge Cemetery
July 10
Gloria May
Greenridge Place, Cemetery Entrance

The Good Life: North Broadway
July 17
Samantha Bosshart
North West Corner of North Broadway & Van Dam Street

Heart & Soul: A Restored West Side
July 24
Margie Van Meter
Franklin Street, Gideon Putnam Cemetery

Trackside: Racing in Saratoga
July 31
Georgia Horner
South East Corner of Nelson Avenue & Union Avenue

The Good Life: North Broadway
August 7
Samantha Bosshart
North West Corner of North Broadway & Van Dam Street

Down in the Valley: Explore “The Gut”
August 14
Ellen Steinberger
South West Corner of Phila & Henry, (Ben & Jerry’s)

Trackside: Racing in Saratoga
August 21
Georgia Horner
South East Corner of Nelson Avenue & Union Avenue

A Very Good Year: Broadway in 1874
August 28
Gloria May
North West Corner of Congress Street & Broadway (Talbot’s)

Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square
September 4
Carrie Woerner
North West Corner of Division Street & Broadway

A Campus & Queen Annes: Union Avenue
September 11
Linda Trela
South East Corner of Union Avenue & Circular Street

Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square
September 18
Carrie Woerner
North West Corner of Division Street & Broadway

 

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Summer Lecture Series

By admin | Published: August 1, 2011

Race Course Architecture
Paul Roberts, Speaker
$10 members/$15 non-members per lecture

See below for dates, details and locations.

Paul Roberts will present three lectures on historic race courses world-wide. The last of which will feature research from his newly published book The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Track. After each lecture, Mr. Roberts will host a book signing.

In May 2007, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation formed the Saratoga Race Course Preservation Coalition to advocate for a thoughtful, balanced approach to the preservation and modernization at the Saratoga Race Course. Paul Roberts of Turnberry Consulting, London was appointed in 2008 by New York Racing Association (NYRA) to advise the direction of capital improvements on the Saratoga Race Course’s three tracks, following the confirmation of NYRA’s new franchise.  The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation as part of the Saratoga Race Course Preservation Coalition wishes to aid NYRA in preserving the future integrity of the buildings and landscape features of Saratoga Race Course.

Tuesday, July 26      7pm
Ascot: England’s Royal Racecourse
Saratoga Arts Center, Dee Sarno Theater, 320 Broadway
Paul Roberts will speak on the development of the Queen’s racecourse from the first races in 1711, organized by Queen Anne, to the last re-developments of 2005. This illustrated lecture will examine the changing structure of the race course, its connection to the monarchy, and explore 300 years of worth of buildings. Reservations preferred. Seating is limited.

Tuesday, August 2     7pm
Historic Race Courses of the World
Saratoga Arts Center, Dee Sarno Theater, 320 Broadway
Paul Roberts will discuss the historic structures remaining in world racing. This lecture will review a bygone age and identify how the precious buildings of world famous race courses are being used today.
Reservations preferred. Seating is limited.

Wednesday, August 10    7pm
The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Track
Fasig-Tipton, Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion, 250 East Avenue
Paul Roberts will lecture on his new book of the same title, focusing on the original buildings of 1864 to developments made by New York Racing Association (NYRA). Mr. Roberts will discuss every phase of Saratoga Race Course’s remarkable past. Reservations preferred.

To reserve seating, please call 518-5887-5030 or email sbosshart@saratogapreservation.org

The last lecture in the series is sponsored by NYRA and Fasig-Tipton:

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