Our city is fortunate to have such a diverse, extensive collection of historic resources that make our community special. Our historic downtown and neighborhoods are the destinations they are today because of the vision, commitment, effort, investment, and oversight of many over decades. However, this is not something we can take for granted as we look to the future. Preserving our city’s special character will continue to take vision, commitment, effort, investment, and oversight by city officials and residents.
With the election next week, the Foundation thought it would be helpful to voters to know how the candidates view historic preservation. Please note that as a not-for-profit 501(c)3, the Foundation cannot endorse anyone for elected office. Every City Council and County Supervisor candidate was contacted. Below are the verbatim answers that were received from candidates.
What is your favorite historic building in our city? Why?
Michele Madigan, Mayoral Candidate
I’ve always appreciated the two “twin” shotgun houses at 128 and 130 Clinton Street — rare examples of 19th-century working-class architecture in Saratoga Springs. Built in 1877 and the early 1880s, they’ve been listed as endangered by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for over a decade. I’m thrilled the Foundation has now purchased them and look forward to seeing these historic homes restored. Shotgun houses are narrow, rectangular homes with front and back doors aligned straight through — a design so direct it inspired the name. These are the only known examples of this style in Saratoga Springs, making their preservation especially meaningful.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
Adirondack Trust Bank
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I have several buildings that I believe significantly contribute to our city but the primary ones are the projects that started us on our path toward Preservation. The work done at Franklin Square and along Broadway has defined us for centuries and because of the foresight of some incredible citizens, we will have them for another century plus.
Jess Troisi, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
My personal favorite is the Yaddo Mansion. I may be a little biased because I volunteer there as an event photographer. The buildings and grounds combine with its history to tell a beautiful story of love and philanthropy.
Shafer Gaston, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
The Adirondack Trust building on Broadway. I mean, obviously, I’m running for Commissioner of Finance, but even more importantly is this institution was fundamental in the development of Saratoga Springs. Its not just that the building has been around a long time or even had historic residents or events, but it is a functional structure fulfilling an important role in the community today – both historical and sustainable, which are often seen as objectives that are at odds with each other. No one would build a bank that looks like that today, but over the last 125 years it has stayed functional and buoyed our city’s financial backbone. Truly a sterling example of the economic viability of historic preservation!
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
The Roosevelt Bath Building #2 located in the SPAC complex. This is where I took my campaign photos, and recently, my family’s wedding photos. I am very fond of the beautify arcades and arches.
BK Keramati, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
My choice is Canfield Casino. I have a personal relationship with Canfield Casino which was the place my wife and I chose for our wedding celebration about 20 years ago. I think it is a magnificent building for events and as far as I can tell it is under-used.
Chuck Marshall, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
The Canfield Casino is my favorite building in Saratoga. This building is where my wife and I celebrated our wedding but also shows how preservation can be tied to economic development and perpetual use.
George Ehinger, County Supervisor Candidate
I’m partial to 688 N. Broadway because I live there BUT second would have to be the Adirondack Trust Building.
Minita Sanghvi, County Supervisor Candidate
My favorite historic building is the Canfield Casino. Congress Park is such a special place, and the Canfield Casino is the centerpiece of it all. It embodies the Gilded Age roots of our town, with connections to many of the famous (and infamous!) players that put Saratoga Springs on the map. Stepping inside is like going back in time – there’s a kind of quiet, even when the building is filled with people. Each time I’m there, I notice something new about it. Similarly, the park is full of history, and yet it’s alive with people and events that showcase all aspects of our community – family celebrations, art shows, concerts, theater, social justice rallies, and more. As our son has grown, we’ve spent many happy moments with my family in the park. It is the perfect spot for Saratogians young and old to enjoy.
What role do you think historic preservation has played in the economic success of our city?
Michele Madigan, Mayoral Candidate
Historic preservation has played a vital economic role in Saratoga Springs. By restoring our downtown historic buildings and streetscapes, the city transformed from decline into a vibrant destination for local businesses, restaurants, and year-round tourism. Preservation supports adaptive reuse projects (like performance venues and hotels) that generate off-season activity, protects property values and neighborhood character, and gives the city a distinct sense of place that drives investment. Simply put: saving our past has helped power our future.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
Our charming Victorian architecture enthrals visitors.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
Outside of equine sports and its associated imagery, I believe that Historic Preservation has provided Saratoga Springs with a unique public image and one that sets us apart. We clearly rely on tourism to drive our engine, the historic character of our city along with the stories from that time are the story of America. We are tremendously fortunate to still have these structures as the core of our identity.
Jess Troisi, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
The historic charm of Saratoga Springs is one of the main things that drew me here 32 years ago and it is one of the main draws of our tourism industry. While the track, SPAC, City Center, and community events bring people to our City, visitor experience is driven by our wide sidewalks and well kept historic homes.
Shafer Gaston, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
By keeping our architecture distinct, our city provides distinguishing characteristics that make it not only attractive for tourism but also for residents and businesses looking to set down roots. By attracting residents and businesses, we create a virtuous cycle of economic activity that is less susceptible to national trends and whims.
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
It is my understanding that in 1977, the foundation contributed to the preservation of 26 buildings creating the blueprint for our tremendous city. The blueprint attracted new and thoughtful economic development in the form of new construction, restaurants, and venues and is especially vital to our city’s economic engine.
BK Keramati, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
One of the key aspects of Saratoga Springs is its history. It is a magnet for domestic and foreign tourists who want to experience not only what our city offers today, but also what it has meant, both culturally and historically. I liken Saratoga Springs to my own experience growing up in Isfahan, Iran, a city with deep historical meaning for the whole country. I love living in a city that has such connections to the past.
Chuck Marshall, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
The architecture of our City is unique and the ability to provide walking tours highlighting the uniqueness is an example of “something else” we offer on the list of positive activities within the city.
George Ehinger, County Supervisor Candidate
Historic Preservation is VITAL to the past and future economic success for Saratoga Springs. Many visitors come to admire our architecture and the historic charm that would not exist without preservationists protecting it.
Minita Sanghvi, County Supervisor Candidate
Without historic preservation, Saratoga Springs would not possess the unique character that has been fundamental to its economic success. Though some historic buildings have not survived, the efforts of preservation advocates, including Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and the Preservation Foundation have played a critical role in making downtown Saratoga a special place to visit. Maintaining both individual properties and the historic districts adds value to our community – both for property owners, and at the community level. Visitors enjoy our streetscapes and historic buildings, and that tourism translates directly into the sales and occupancy tax revenues that fund about a third of our annual city budget.
Concerns have been raised about the size and design of new construction in downtown Saratoga Springs. Do you share any of those concerns? If so, what do you think should be done to ensure that there is quality design that fits the historic charm of Saratoga Springs?
Michele Madigan, Mayoral Candidate
Yes — I share those concerns. Saratoga’s success is rooted in its human-scale, walkable downtown and historic architecture. When new projects are out of scale or out of character, they risk undermining what makes our city special and economically strong. We need to strengthen our design standards, empower the Design Review Board, and ensure the Planning Department has the staff and expertise to apply those standards consistently. I also support updating our design guidelines to address height, massing, and materials so new construction complements — rather than competes with — our historic fabric. Growth and preservation can coexist. Thoughtful, well-designed infill that respects Saratoga’s charm will keep our downtown vibrant for generations to come.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
Of course, design should be as consistent as possible
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I believe that we need to continue to be mindful of the balance between growth, available resources to support growth, affordability of housing and the unique victorian character of our city. I personally believe that historic preservation should inform ALL Structures built in this community. That is to say, we need to have a consistent look that also provides an interesting street scape. My feel is that the criticism of recent projects is related to the cookie cutter appearance that some have. Square brick buildings aren’t necessarily aligned with the goals of historic preservation or the influence of the aesthetic aspects.
Jess Troisi, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I share those concerns, but understand there must be some balance between design and modern costs. The design review board is a great partner for directing the City’s facades and I support their work, but I would like to see some varied architecture in new brick facades.
Shafer Gaston, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
Size not so much as design. The buildouts specified in the UDO are put in specifically to enhance the appearance and feel of downtown. However, with regards to design, I think it is important that we “hold the line” with design standards and appropriate approval of Land Use boards to ensure any construction is congruent with the appearance of the rest of the city.
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
Saratoga Springs has a design review board, zoning board, and planning board who all have a significant role in the design of the downtown area and these controls are adequate to ensure all designs are proper.
BK Keramati, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
Yes, I am concerned about large, multi-level, hotel-like constructions downtown. They are beginning to be overwhelming, and they detract from the charm of our city. We need to pay more attention to developments that improve the lives of our citizens AND fit within the charm and attractiveness of our city. It all starts with planning, permits, and assuring that new constructions, small and large, fit within what we’re trying to preserve.
Chuck Marshall, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
I think the most important part of the UDO is that it represents what we want as a City. I think revising the UDO to provide height bonus based on affordable housing component would balance the increase in building height and the need for affordable units while being predictable for the applicant community.
George Ehinger, County Supervisor Candidate
Yes, there is always going to be struggle between new development and preserving the charm and history. I believe the DRB does a good job ensuring new construction is appropriate for and “fits” in the city.
Of course the Preservation Foundation is a tireless advocate for smart development.
Minita Sanghvi, County Supervisor Candidate
I believe infill development in the city’s core is preferable to pushing outward, which could negatively impact our greenbelt. Yet when development projects don’t reflect the scale and proportions of nearby buildings, or incorporate a mish-mash of unrelated historical styles, they detract from the historic character of the neighborhood. I know that our Design Review Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board work to maintain the historic character of our community and its eight National Register Historic Districts.
Our city has several historic properties with great local historic significance that should be local landmarks. As some of them are located outside of local architectural or historic districts, there is NO protection from demolition or irreversible changes. For example, Cady Hill, the former Whitney estate at 40 Geyser Road; Villa Balsamo, the historic estate of Floyd J. Shutts that later became a popular restaurant, at 2255 Ballston Avenue; and Green Tree Stable, the summer residence of John Hay “Jock” Whitney today owned by Sheikh Mohammed at 36 Nelson Avenue.
Do you support Local Landmark designation for significant properties? Why or why not?
Michele Madigan, Mayoral Candidate
Yes — I support Local Landmark designation for properties of clear historic and cultural significance. Saratoga’s unique character and economic vitality are deeply tied to our historic assets, and protecting them safeguards both our identity and our long-term prosperity. Designating individual landmarks outside existing districts ensures that irreplaceable properties — like Cady Hill, Villa Balsamo, and Green Tree Stable — aren’t lost to neglect or demolition. These sites tell the story of who we are as a community. That said, I believe the process should be collaborative — working with property owners to provide incentives, grants, or adaptive reuse options so preservation is practical as well as principled. Protecting our landmarks is not anti-growth; it’s smart stewardship of what makes Saratoga Springs truly one-of-a-kind.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
We should make that list and inform the owners as soon as possible.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I have repeatedly asked the Preservation Foundation to identify the structures of concern and I will bring forward the legislation to protect them.** We cannot be responsive in our posture but rather proactive. I believe property owners need to understand the intrinsic value of the properties under their care, should they be significant historically. I believe the proactive approach will set us up for proper engagement with the community as well as to the mission of protecting these valuable structures.
Jess Troisi, Commissioner of Accounts
Yes, I do support Local Landmark designation for historically significant properties. I believe that we should not be removing history from our city, but would want the process of designation to be collaborative between the city and its citizens. I am a very big fan of how the development at the corner of Excelsior and Excelsior Springs saved the original home to the greatest extent possible and preserved some of the original character.
Shafer Gaston, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
Yes – this helps add an extra layer of scrutiny onto modifications or repairs that will help preserve the look and feel of designated structures . Additionally, as discussed in (7), by designating and preserving these structures, we keep some of our unique competitive advantage as a municipality
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
In theory, I support Local Landmark Designation, but I would need to consult further with thy city’s legal counsel to determine what process would be the best path forward.
BK Keramati, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
Frankly, I need to become more educated on this topic. I would support what preserves our history that is combined with promoting the Saratoga Springs area and brings more attention and resources to it.
Chuck Marshall, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
I have repeatedly spoken with Samantha that I believe the Preservation Foundation should provide the City Council with a list of the properties it wishes to designate historic landmarks.** The process for designation is legislative and an inclusive list will work to ensure these properties protected. With this designation, it does not matter if the property in architectural or historic district. Also, I worked on the 182 Excelsior project where even without designation we worked to save those structures.
George Ehinger, County Supervisor Candidate
Yes, I would like to see these structures appropriately preserved and designated as landmarks. Buildings like these provide a view to the past which is critical in shaping our thinking for the future.
Minita Sanghvi, County Supervisor Candidate
Yes. But we should analyze the property’s history and its current uses, address the consequences of tenant displacement, estimate the costs of historical preservation during construction, and evaluate the risk of lawsuits.
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation believes that preserving our unique historic downtown and neighborhoods is essential to attracting new residents, visitors, and businesses to our community, directly contributing to the overall high quality of life and economic success of Saratoga Springs.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
**Response to repeated requests comments
Two candidates indicated that they have repeatedly requested a list of potential Local Landmarks from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.
In 2001, the City of Saratoga Springs adopted “A Working Plan for Historic Preservation.” The 40-page document has many goals, including completing a citywide survey to identify possible additional historic districts and individually significant properties.
In addition, the Design Review Board is tasked with protecting and enhancing the landmarks and historic districts which represent distinctive elements of the City’s historic, architectural and cultural heritage; preventing the demolition or destruction of significant structures; and recommending to the City Council the adoption of ordinances designating properties or structures having special historic, community, cultural or architectural value as landmarks or historic districts.
Since the adoption of “A Working Plan for Historic Preservation” in 2001, the only additions to local historic districts or designated landmarks have been initiated solely by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation – i.e. Gideon Putman Cemetery, properties on Woodlawn Avenue, and 166 Excelsior Avenue, the Smiley-Brackett House.
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has recommended to City representatives that the City apply for a Certified Local Government grant to underwrite a building survey to identify potential landmarks. As a nonprofit, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is unable to apply for this grant.
In the absence of City initiative, the Foundation, with its limited resources, has undertaken a citywide survey with the assistance of volunteers to help identify potential local landmarks and endangered buildings. This is simply an attempt to identify buildings. This effort will not provide the research and documentation needed to seek designations. With the Foundation’s funding proposed to be cut from the 2026 City of Saratoga Springs budget, this work may not be able to continue.
The Foundation has partnered with the City of Saratoga Springs on many initiatives, including several projects funded through Certified Local Government grants. The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to work with elected officials and the Design Review Board to identify and protect our city’s landmarks.