CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY
Work is beginning on the $9.4 million project at Universal Preservation Hall
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.
>> Construction is underway at Universal Preservation Hall, as the organization announces the public phase of its ongoing capital campaign.
“We’re keeping our promise to Saratoga today,” Universal Preservation Hall campaign director Teddy Foster said on Thursday morning during a press conference outside the former Methodist church on Washington Street.
“We’re making good on a promise that we made to you in 2003,” she continued. “That’s when we became a nonprofit and that’s when we said we were going to bring a year-round cultural center to downtown Saratoga Springs.”
With the capital campaign aiming to raise $5.5 million, Foster proudly announced that construction on the $9.4 million project is underway.
“I know it’s taken a little bit of time, but good things
“I know it’s taken a little bit of time, but good things come to those who wait.” — Universal Preservation Hall campaign director Teddy Foster
come to those who wait,” she said, adding that the end product will be spectacular. “When we are finished in the spring of 2020 and these doors reopen, you will have the pleasure of gracing a flexible, state of the art 700-seat theaterin-the-round,” Foster said.
In addition to the theater in the Great Hall, a community room and a modern glass atrium will be part of the project upon completion.
With a focus on music, UPH is expected to also host theatre, dance and other performing arts while serving as a public space for presentations, weddings, fundraisers and community events. “The sky is the limit,” Foster said.
To kick off this phase of the capital campaign Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership President Marty Vanags presented UPH with a check for $26,250, which represents a rebate of its fees for processing UPH’s successful incentive application through the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.
“We’re very excited about what’s going to happen here on Washington Street,” Vanags said at the press conference, predicting that it will be a boost for economic development.
According to an analysis conducted by the Capital District Regional Planning Commission, the undertaking will generate a $6 million impact during its first year, including at least 30 construction jobs.
Subsequently, the annual operations of UPH, through a combination of direct and indirect employment, will create 22 full-time equivalent jobs. Its annual impact on the local economy will exceed $2 million, and the facility will serve an estimated 65,000 visitors per year attending more than 200 events.
Other important funds for the project came from Empire State Development grants. ESD agreed to provide $800,000 as recommended by the Capital Region Economic Development Council; and an additional $750,000 toward construction, through a Restore New York award to the City of Saratoga Springs.
“With its unique architecture, rich history and modern upgrades underway, Universal Preservation Hall will complement the vibrant arts and culture of downtown Saratoga Springs and transform a once-condemned building into a community destination,” Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner Howard Zemsky said in a statement.
Another major project partner is Proctors Collaborative. CEO Philip Morris - who believes UPH will become a hub for art, entertainment, and conversation - spoke of the project’s ability to “make things happen in a collaborative way” that will shape the future of the Capital Region.
“This is going to be an amazing addition to our community,” said Sonny Bonacio of Bonacio Construction, which is doing the work at the site.
“It’s exciting to see this building come alive,” added Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly. “This will be the catalyst of excitement for our residents, for our visitors.”
The mayor noted that not every historic building in the city has a happy ending, however, she said, “This one definitely will be a gem.”