Saratoga Springs, NY: The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is excited to announce the sale of the 1851 Alexander A. Patterson House at 65 Phila Street to Cecelia (CeCe) Bette.
Since 1977, the Foundation has been a strong voice for endangered buildings – not only advocating for them, but at times taking on the rehabilitations themselves. In 2024, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation successfully completed the rehabilitation of 65 Phila Street, a historic property that had been a victim of demolition by neglect. After years of advocating against demolition and working with the city to enforce property maintenance codes, the Foundation acquired the building in May 2021 with the assistance of Mark Haworth, a long-time member of the Foundation. The Foundation undertook a comprehensive rehabilitation, including environmental remediation, structural stabilization, and exterior restoration.
Since listing the property in 2024, the Foundation has sought a buyer who would complete the interior of the home and be a good steward for years to come. Upon returning from a job in England, Cecelia Bette knew she wanted to set down roots in historic Saratoga Springs. “When 65 Phila became available, it was clear to me that it was not only a great property in a great location but the perfect opportunity to put my talents to work,” said Bette. “I recognized the tremendous job the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation had done rehabilitating the property and knew I could pick up where they left off,” continued Bette.
As the granddaughter of Michael Bette, founder of BBL Construction, Cecelia has been surrounded by construction and historic preservation from a young age. Now working as a Licensed Associate Broker with First Columbia and Bette & Cring, Bette was looking to embark on her own project. “I am thrilled to work with the Foundation and do my part in preserving some of Saratoga’s history,” Bette said.
The Foundation is grateful to Sheila Sperling, realtor with Julie & Co. Realty and current Vice President of the Foundation, for her efforts to find the right buyer for the home – someone who would agree to the preservation easement that is in perpetuity. “It took time and care to find the right buyer for 65 Phila and along the way Sam and I had the pleasure of working with many interested parties. I couldn’t be more pleased with the new owner – not only will she be a great steward of this important property, but I know she will also be a wonderful addition to our community,” shared Sperling.
More than four years after purchasing the property, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Samantha Bosshart, is thrilled to see the house in good hands. “I can’t believe it! There were times when I thought that 65, and its neighbor, 69 Phila Street, would be lost. I’m so excited to have CeCe finish what took a village to do to get 65 Phila Street to this point. The Foundation is so fortunate to have so many who believed in the project. Welcome to the neighborhood, CeCe!”
The total amount raised by the Foundation for Revive 65 through cash contributions and in-kind donations was nearly 500,000. The Foundation thanks our generous Patterson Preservationist donors: The 1772 Foundation, Adirondack Trust Company, Allerdice Building Supply, Bonacio Construction, CASmith, LLC., Carruth Foundation, ERSI, Frost Hurff Architects, James Gold, Higgins Family Foundation, Julie & Co. Realty, Kammler Painting & Preservation, Marie & Charlie Montano, Munter Enterprises, Thomas Newkirk, Nordlys Foundation, River Farm America Foundation, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, and Zanetti Architectural Millwork; Roof Restorer donors: Anonymous and Julia & Robert Stokes; and Porch Patron donors: The Donald and Donna Adam Family Foundation, Haller Family Charitable Fund, Kathleen Mattes & Andres J. Marsh, Teakwood Builders, Inc., Mary & Kevin Tully, Michael White, and Zobel & Co. Kitchens. The Foundation also thanks all of the contractors for their time and effort in support of this project: A-Z Property Maintenance, C & C Unlimited, Charbonneau Roofing, Chris Bennett, Collins Mechanical, Distinctive Cabinetry, D.A. Collins Companies, DLC Electric, Jay White Creations, Joe Moore, Mountain View Material, The LA Group, Thompson-Fleming Land Surveyors, P.C., and The Twisted Timber Company.
The Foundation appreciates the dedication of the Revive 65 Committee who oversaw the rehabilitation. The committee includes, Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director; Steve Dodds, an architect with Phinney Design Group; Peter Goutos, president of environmental remediation company CASmith; James Gold, retired Director of Historic Sites for New York State; Matt Hurff, architect and owner of Frost Hurff Architects; and Vincent LaTerra, independent contractor. In addition to the committee, the project would not have been possible without the expertise of Joe Logan and Chris Bennett as well as the many volunteers.