Program may aid upgrade
Spa City, Proctors seek $1M from initiative for renovations at Universal Preservation Hall
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » The City Council, along with Proctors, has submitted a grant request of $1 million to Restore New York for the renovations at Universal Preservation Hall.
The project, which is expected to cost an estimated $6.5 million, at 25 Washington St. is expected to bring year-round entertainment to the site. The location has been used recently to host weddings, forums and social events.
The renovations include an elevator, a kitchen, a lobby area, new heating and air conditioning as well as at least $500,000 worth of sound and acoustic equipment.
As far as programming goes, the space is ideal for musical performances, officials said.
The second floor will feature a performance space that can seat about 700 people.
The stage will be in the middle of the room, officials said, allowing everyone to have a seat close to the action.
Once opened, the UPH will hire at least five fulltime staffers and dozens of part-time employees, officials said.
The city Planning Board already approved the site plan for the project.
“They want projects that are ready to roll, and we’re ready to roll,” said Proctors CEO Philip Morris during the public hearing period regarding Restore New York.
The project is expected to be put out to bid in 2018, and construction is also expected to start next year.
The UPH will be closed while the work is done, though events can be put on at other sites.
The structure will reopen sometime in 2019.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, the council had to pass a resolution.
“[The resolution must find] that the proposed project is consistent with the municipalities local revitalization or urban development plan, that the proposed financing is appropriate for the specific project, that the project facilitates effective and efficient use of existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources and the project develops and enhances infrastructure and/or other facilities in a manner that will attract, create and sustain employment opportunities where applicable,” said Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan before she read the resolution.
The council unanimously approved the resolution.
Restore New York is a state initiative that can provide municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of residential and commercial properties.