In front of 65 Phila Street, Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, announced, “It is with much excitement that I tell you that the Foundation purchased 65 Phila Street and this building will finally be preserved!” Community members and press gathered at noon on Thursday, May 27, 2021, to hear the announcement that this long intentionally neglected building will be revived. Since the Foundation was established in 1977 it has been a strong voice for preserving the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage Saratoga Springs.
The Foundation has been an advocate for endangered buildings that have no voice – examples include: 25 Washington Street, today Universal Preservation Hall; 5 Clinton Street, one of the beautiful row houses; 117 Grand Avenue, the former station of the Adirondack Railway Company; and 15 Church Street, today home of a popular restaurant. The Foundation not only advocated for these buildings, but at times undertook the rehabilitations themselves.
The Foundation has advocated for the preservation of 65 & 69 Phila Street since the inception of its endangered buildings list in 1998. The 1851 Italianate style house clad with wood clapboard located at 65 Phila Street was constructed by Alexander A. Patterson, an architect and builder. That same year the brick Italianate style house located at 69 Phila Street 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.
The prior owners purchased 69 Phila Street in 1994 for $41,000 and 65 Phila Street for $125,000 in 2002. Not only did those owners fail to maintain the structures and removed architectural features and portions of the buildings as they deteriorated, they also made inappropriate “temporary” repairs that have now been in place for several years. Although they were unwilling to invest in preserving the buildings during their ownership, they paid fees as well as hired legal counsel and design professionals to represent them in court and before the city’s land use boards
Most recently, the Foundation vocally opposed the owner’s proposals to demolish both buildings to construct new buildings. At the Design Review Commission meeting on March 24th, the owners withdrew their application to demolish 69 Phila Street because it had been sold to owners who plan to restore it. The Foundation is pleased to share that the new owners recently contacted the Foundation to share that they are excited to own an important piece of Saratoga Springs’ history and look forward to preserving the house and transforming it into a home for their family.
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 Street.
While the proposed demolitions were being reviewed by the Design Review Commission, the Foundation received widespread support throughout the community to preserve the two buildings – many placing “Save Our Historic Buildings” signs in their yards. “Our membership base and community support has steadily grown over the years, speaking volumes to how many people want to see our city preserved,” said Adam Favro, President.
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 continued. He provided the necessary low-interest financing to allow the Foundation to acquire the property for $235,000, a price that was well below the list price of years ago.
“Now after more than 30 years, both of these buildings will receive the much needed attention they deserve!” Bosshart said.
The Foundation regularly provides advisory opinions to the Design Review Commission as well as provides the only required local advisory opinions for capital improvements at Saratoga Race Course to New York State Historic Preservation Office. In addition, it offers guidance and technical assistance to property owners who are undertaking projects. “This is an exciting opportunity to take on this challenging rehabilitation and allow us to walk our talk. 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. Since that time the owners would not allow me to enter the buildings with other potential buyers,” said Bosshart.
“Our goal is to make it safe for future owners and the neighborhood, something that is long overdue,” continued Bosshart. 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 is confident that with the community’s generosity, we will be able 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. This may seem like a lofty goal. Thankfully, the Foundation is no stranger to fundraising for large projects. The Foundation recently raised $50,000 to restore the most at-risk stained-glass windows at the First Baptist Church and $475,000 to restore the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park in partnership with the City of Saratoga Springs.
“Any proceeds from the future sale of the house will support our mission. It is our goal that this project will allow us to take on other special projects that benefit our community,” said Bosshart. 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.
In addition to its fundraising efforts, the Foundation will host a series of educational programs to educate the public about rehabilitating a historic house. “Education is a pillar of the Foundation’s mission. We hope this project will help ease the fear of purchasing a historic home and rehabilitating it by showing people how things are done, why they are done in such a manner, and who to contact for answers or advice,” said Favro.
Please follow the Foundation on social media and join their email list to get regular progress updates. To view the Facebook Live post of the announcement click here!
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.