2 Madison Avenue (After)

Each year as part of National Preservation Month, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation recognizes those who have preserved the architectural heritage of Saratoga Springs. While I enjoy all of our events and programs, I particularly enjoy this event because it not only recognizes large preservation projects; it also recognizes the small projects that often go unnoticed. It provides an opportunity to thank building owners who demonstrate a good sense of stewardship by the time, effort and investment committed to their historic properties.

Thursday, May 30, those stewards were honored at a ceremony at the Spring Street Gallery at 110 Spring St. Mayor Scott Johnson read a proclamation declaring May 2013 National Preservation Month. The proclamation acknowledged the significant role historic preservation plays in the overall economic success and quality of life of Saratoga Springs. A reception followed the ceremony for award winners, their family, friends, architects, builders and contractors.

Tom and Kristie Roohan and Sonny and Julie Bonacio received an Exterior Restoration Award for their continued work at the Mill Building at 125 High Rock Ave. They removed an inappropriate loading dock addition and restored the west side of the facade to its original 1906 appearance.

Lance Bell received an Exterior Rehabilitation Award for the extensive work he has done at 719 N. Broadway. Charlie and Robert Israel also received an Exterior Rehabilitation Award for their work on 36 Franklin St., the oldest residential home in the city. The Israels undertook this project after the previous owners abandoned a project mid-way through, leaving portions of the building open to the elements after removing a rear addition.

Several porch projects were recognized this year. Russell and Margaret Newhall were recognized for the restoration of their front and side porches at 2 Madison Ave. William and Anne Pape were also recognized for the restoration of the south side porch of their house at 743 N. Broadway. The full-width porch at 227 Nelson Ave. had at one time been removed and replaced with a single-entry porch. Patrick and Lisa Jankowski were recognized for returning the full-width porch.

The city of Saratoga Springs was once again recognized for its efforts to preserve city-owned historic buildings. This year, the city was honored for the roof restoration completed at the Local Landmark Drink Hall, known today as the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway. The city made a significant investment to prevent water infiltration; restore the decorative frieze, terra cotta structural block, stucco and wood trim that had been damaged; retain as much of the original slate roof and replacing damaged slate with matching; and install copper flashing, gutters and snow slides.

Derek HasBrouck was recognized for improving the exterior facade of his house located at 32 York Ave.

The DZ Restaurants was also honored with an Exterior Façade Initiative for Boca Bistro, located at 384 Broadway.

Four adaptive reuse projects were honored at the ceremony. Charlene Wood Courtney and Robert Courtney were recognized for their transformation of the vacant carriage house located at 53 Greenfield Ave. into a beautiful single-family residence. Richard and Cynthia Corbett also adaptively reused the carriage house at 55 Bryan St. into a residence. The brick building at 20 Mitchell Place was originally built as a stable and later used as an automobile service garage until 1990. Last year, Lisa Bates transformed the building into a studio and residence, giving this building its third life/use. Ted Cupp of Thirsty Owl Winery tackled the house at 184 S. Broadway, turning it into a wine tasting room and retail shop.

Nicolo and Patricia Gangi received a New Contextual Design Award for the rear addition that they made to their house at 25 George St. Donald and Donna Adam received a Landscape Initiative Award for replacing the mature trees that were near the end of their life cycle with mature trees and restoring the slate sidewalk at their home at 779 N. Broadway.

Again, I thank historic property owners for their stewardship, which will allow people to appreciate our rich history and architecture long into the future.

Founded in 1977, 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.