The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation recently kicked off the final stretch to raise the remaining $100,000 for its Revive 65 Campaign. In October the City of Saratoga Springs awarded the Foundation a $30,000 grant towards the rehabilitation of 65 Phila Street.
The long-neglected 1851 Alexander A. Patterson House located at 65 Phila Street had been on the Foundation’s endangered list for over 20 years and threatened by demolition. It was once the home of Alexander Patterson, who operated the Patterson Spring across the street.
In 2021, the Foundation purchased it with the intent to stabilize the Italianate building, execute environmental abatement, and complete an exterior restoration.
Since acquiring the house, work was done behind the scenes to plan the project and raise necessary funds. Due to the high demand for contractors, the rehabilitation did not move forward as quickly as hoped.
Fortunately, progress has been made since spring thanks to various contractors and volunteers. The environmental abatement and interior demolition were completed. The porch framing and portions of the exterior siding were repaired. The original porch railings and columns as well as the historic windows were carefully restored off-site. A new roof for the main structure has been installed. The structural stabilization and framing of the east extension was recently finished.
The exterior painting in historically appropriate colors is nearly complete. Soon, the roofs for the east extension and porch will be installed.
The Saratoga Springs grant helps the Foundation begin the final phase of the project. Over the upcoming months, contractors and volunteers will finish the porch restoration; install historic windows; complete siding repairs and painting; reinstall the historic front door; and develop a landscape plan.
To accomplish these goals, the Foundation needs help to raise the remaining $100,000 by December 15 to underwrite the cost of the labor and materials.
Net proceeds from the sale of 65 Phila Street will go towards future community preservation projects, the Foundation announced.
To learn more about this project and other initiatives from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, visit www.saratogapreservation.org.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
Photos of 65 Phila Street in 2023 (above) and 2021 (below) provided.
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