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R estoration
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation advocates for the preservation of historic buildings, landmarks and landscapes in the city of Saratoga Springs. Our work includes restoration projects as well as special projects to identify and save threatened buildings.
Greater Beekman Street Grant Program
Through a grant from the New York State Main Street Program, the Preservation Foundation is investing in rehabilitating commercial buildings and houses in the Arts District on Beekman Street. We have awarded grants totalling $150,000. Additional grants are still available for properties on Beekman Street between Grand Avenue and West Circular. Click here to download the Program Overview and Application.
 First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church is one of the oldest houses of worship in Saratoga Springs. A grand Greek Revival building built in 1855, with a Colonial Revival interior from the 1920s, this church was the largest assembly space in Saratoga Springs when it was first constructed. The original facade included a clocktower on top of the octogonal bell tower. The building needs a new roof, the masonry needs to be repaired and repointed, and improved handicap access needs to be built. The congregation and the Preservation Foundation are committed to the restoration of the building, including rebuilding the clock tower. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites program have been awarded to this project. Designs for the restoration, the clocktower and handicap access have been developed; a preservation plan is underway; and fundraising has begun for the project. Click here to download more information on the First Baptist Church Project and how you can help save this Saratoga Landmark.
Gideon Putnam Cemetery
We continue to work on the restoration of the Gideon Putnam Cemetery. This burial ground is the oldest in the city and was donated to the city by Gideon Putnam, who was the first city planner for Saratoga Springs. The Cemetery is a West Side landmark. Buried in the cemetery are famous Saratogians like Gideon Putnam and Dr. John Clarke, as well as veterans and resort workers. The Gideon Putnam Cemetery is an important reminder of our city’s history.
The Foundation undertook the restoration of the cemetery after many years of neglect and abuse. With a grant from New York State, we went to work restoring the Putnam family monuments, cleaning out the overgrown landscape, and installing security fencing. In the next phase of work, we will restore and reset grave markers that have been broken or overturned. We have made application to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to add the Gideon Putnam Cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places. This national designation will signify the importance of this local landmark.
We are seeking sponsors for the restoration of the grave markers. If you would like to be a sponsor of one of the grave markers, please contact our offices.
Past Projects
Over the past 30 years, the Preservation Foundation has taken an active role in the restoration of important buildings and sites in virtually every neighborhood in Saratoga Springs. Some of our past projects have included:
- 5 Clinton Place (rehabilitation)
- Broadway Facades (under easement)
- 117 Grand Avenue (rehabilitation)
- 120 Grand Avenue (stabilization)
- Universal Baptist Church (stabilization)
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