Displaying items by tag: saratoga preservation

Saratoga Springs — On Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host a virtual Holiday Homes Tour.  Since this year people will not be able to gather together for holiday parties, the Foundation is providing a unique way for people to get into the holiday spirit.  The inspiration for the event is the Candlelight House Tour, a tour of private houses decorated for the holidays that the Foundation hosted for 25 years until 2015. 

The virtual Holiday Homes Tour will feature the architecture and history of two private homes on Union Avenue, the George U. Gates House built in 1868 and the Ashabel & Elizabeth Moody House built in 1873.  The tour will offer a rare peek into the traditional and mid-century inspired interiors of these two historic homes while enjoying holiday music from local musicians the McKrells courtesy of Caffe Lena and singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski. 

“We are thrilled to offer cheer during this holiday season by offering an exclusive opportunity to learn about the architecture and history of two beautiful houses while enjoying holiday songs of local musicians.  We encourage people to support their favorite local restaurant by ordering take-out while having a festive cocktail in the comfort and warmth of their homes,” said Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Foundation. 

The program will feature holiday music by The McKrells who are one of the Capital District’s most well-known Irish and bluegrass acts. Lead singer Kevin McKrell has performed in theaters, clubs and on festival stages across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the U.K. and has been the recipient of songwriter and entertainer of the year awards multiple times by publications throughout the northeast. Saratogian Cassandra Kubinski is a singer/songwriter who has performed internationally and collaborated with artists like Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Botti, and 10,000 Maniacs, among others. Her songs have been highlighted on numerous television shows. The Foundation is honored to be joined by these impressive artists during the Holiday Homes Tour.

This virtual program will be presented through Zoom. Tickets are $20 for Foundation members and $25 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased by 5 p.m. on Dec. 11 to receive a link to the live stream program. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5050 to purchase your ticket. 

This virtual program is supported, in part, by generous sponsors including Presenting Sponsors: Allerdice Building Supply, Andersen Windows & Doors, Burns Management, Mangino Buick GMC, and Minich MacGregor Wealth Management; and Supporting Sponsor Best Dressed Windows in Town.

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.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is kicking off its 40th Anniversary celebration by hosting the presentation “Origins of Preservation: Urban Renewal in Saratoga Springs 1962-1986” 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 at Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St.

Join Matthew Veitch, Saratoga Springs County Supervisor and Treasurer of the Foundation, as he explores the often controversial Urban Renewal Program and the origins of preservation in Saratoga Springs. This presentation will feature rarely scene photographs from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s of the areas impacted by the Urban Renewal Program.

Urban Renewal provided federal funding for cities to cover costs of acquiring slum areas to demolish dilapidated buildings, consolidate the vacant lots, and then sell those lots to developers to create new “modern” residential and commercial buildings.  When the Urban Renewal Program was approved in 1961 the city was facing an economic decline following the changes in tourism, the loss of the grand hotels, and gambling being illegal resulting in disinvestment in the existing building stock.  In 1962, the Urban Renewal Agency was formed to eliminate slums and blight, expand and strengthen the central business district, establish a central residential area, expand the tax base, provide off-street parking, and improve infrastructure and traffic patterns. 

Lasting from 1962 through 1986, the Urban Renewal Program resulted in the city’s largest urban change in its history.  It cleared the way for large development projects, such as the City Center and the Public Library which continue to provide tremendous benefit to the community. It also resulted in affordable housing projects and low-income housing as well as parking areas on Woodlawn Avenue and High Rock Avenue.  While the demolition of many historic buildings was unfortunate, it did result in an increased awareness about the need to preserve our community’s architecture.  Additionally, many feel the program ruined the very fabric of the community by displacing a large African-American community from the west side of Broadway.  “Today we are still affected by the Urban Renewal decisions that were made, some of which continue to benefit the city today while others still remain to be completed and the benefits have yet to be realized,” said Samantha Bosshart, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

The lecture costs $5 for SSPF members and $8 for non-members and will last approximately 90 minutes. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (518) 587-5030, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or email Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 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.  To learn more or to become a member, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org.