Our city is fortunate to have such a diverse, extensive collection of historic resources that make our community special, many of which have been highlighted over the years in these articles. Our historic downtown and neighborhoods are the destinations they are today because of the vision, commitment, effort, investment, and oversight of many over decades. However, this is not something we can take for granted as we look to the future. Preserving our city’s special character will continue to take vision, commitment, effort, investment, and oversight by city officials and residents.
With the election next week, the Foundation thought it would be helpful to voters to know how the candidates view historic preservation. Please note that as a not-for-profit 501(c)3, the Foundation cannot endorse anyone for elected office. Every City Council candidate was contacted. County Supervisors were not asked to participate. Below are the verbatim answers that were received from candidates.
What is your favorite historic building in our city? Why?
Ron Kim, Mayoral Candidate
The letter to the DRC from 2021 (click here) describes my commitment to 69 Phila Street which first came to my attention in the late 1990’s when I was on the Zoning Board of Appeals. At that time the applicants had applied for zoning relief (both use and area) to construct condominiums. Saratoga Springs was a very different place then but I was outspoken in my opposition to this application and continued my opposition for many years. I am glad that this building and its neighbor will be preserved.
Christian E. Mathiesen DMD, Mayoral Candidate
City Hall. It is a fascinating building that has undergone many changes over the years but continues to be well utilized. The City Hall Theater that used to be on the second floor was accessible by a broad staircase (still present). The theater was the site of many important meetings and theatrical performances in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Unfortunately, the theater was irreparably altered in the early 1930’s. Offices and a court room were added to the second floor (obliterating the floor space of the theater) and the space remaining above the new offices was turned into a much less impressive space on the third floor. That space eventually became the present day Music Hall. The current (inadequate) stairways that provide access to the Music Hall were once used only for access to the catwalks that surrounded the City Hall Theater.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
I would have to say the Adirondack Trust building. It represents a time of absolute integrity and thrift that formed the backbone of a sustainable economy for Saratoga Springs.
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
My favorite historic building is the Canfield Casino. Congress Park is such a special place, and the Canfield Casino is the centerpiece of it all. It embodies the Gilded Age roots of our town, with connections to many of the famous (and infamous!) players that put Saratoga Springs on the map. Stepping inside is like going back in time – there’s a kind of quiet, even when the building is filled with people. Each time I’m there, I notice something new about it. Similarly, the park is full of history, and yet it’s alive with people and events that showcase all aspects of our community – family celebrations, art shows, concerts, theater, social justice rallies, and more. We’ve spent many happy moments with my family in the park. It is the perfect spot for Saratogians young and old to enjoy.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I grew up in an apartment on North Broadway and spent my childhood surrounded by the magnificence of that special area. Riding my bike up and down that street all those years, it’s difficult to just choose one as they are all so beautiful and capture a different age. Outside of North Broadway, I must pick the Batcheller Mansion. Its look and position are iconic views in our city and its restoration has been done masterfully. Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention Universal Preservation Hall. It’s an absolute treasure that our citizens are just starting to learn more about. If you love live performances, you MUST SEE THIS VENUE!!!
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
The Roosevelt Bath Building #2 located in the SPAC complex. This is where I took my campaign photos and I love to have coffee there while enjoying the beautiful architecture.
Kristen Dart, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
The Bachelor Mansion is my favorite historic building in Saratoga Springs. I have always been intrigued by the building because it different from all of the other buildings in town and I saw it everyday in my childhood going to and from my grandparents house on Park Place.
Jim Montagnino, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
City Hall: it’s architecturally significant, rich in history and breathtakingly beautiful inside.
Jason Golub, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
Canfield Casino. So much history, gorgeous details, clearly haunted, and I’m responsible for its ongoing renovation.
What role do you think historic preservation has played in the economic success of our city?
Ron Kim, Mayoral Candidate
Recently I met with representatives of Tree House Brewing prior to their announcement that they were proposing to build their first non-New England site in Saratoga Springs. Their representative did a presentation to my executive staff about why they choose our community to expand outside of New England. One of the reasons they cited was the “history” and “historical architecture” in Saratoga Springs.
Christian E. Mathiesen DMD, Mayoral Candidate
Having been a Saratogian since I was three years old, I have seen a lot. In the 50’s and 60’s, many impressive buildings were either demolished or lost due to fire. Fortunately, attitudes changed. It became more important to preserve and restore buildings than to replace them with newer, non-descript 50’s architecture. Preserving our historic buildings does much to enhance the charm of our City which, in turn, makes Saratoga Springs a desirable place in which to live, to work and to visit. This is an important aspect of the formula that has made Saratoga Springs such a successful small City.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
Health, History and Horses. The connection between our history and period buildings and sites is of importance to many visitors to our city. It is one of the reasons I am involved in the restoration of the South Side cemetery.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I believe that historic preservation is inexorably linked to the success of our city and the DNA that makes up our city’s brand. The visionary work of investing in our historic downtown that was done by the likes of Mark Straus, Bob Israel, and the establishment of the Special Assessment District are key points in what has brought us to where we are today. Less those investments of sweat, time, and money, I do not think we would have reached the heights that currently identify us as being one of the most desirable communities to live or visit. Since then, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation was established and has ably carried the mantle forward with both advocacy and action. There have been many projects funded and completed due to your efforts.
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
Without historic preservation, Saratoga Springs would not possess the unique character that has been fundamental to its economic success. Though some historic buildings have not survived, the efforts of preservation advocates, including Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, have played a critical role in making downtown Saratoga a special place to visit. Maintaining both individual properties and the historic districts adds value to our community – both for property owners, and at the community level. Visitors enjoy our streetscapes and historic buildings, and that tourism translates directly into the sales and occupancy tax revenues that fund about a third of our annual budget
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
It is my understanding that in 1977, the foundation contributed to the preservation of twenty-six buildings creating the blueprint for our tremendous city. The blueprint attracted new and thoughtful economic development in the form of new construction, restaurants, venues and is especially vital to our city’s economic engine.
Kristen Dart, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
Saratoga Springs is a destination because of how well we have preserved our historic homes and buildings. Everyone compliments our city for its charm and preservation plays a significant role in that.
Jim Montagnino, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
It adds to the attractiveness of our City and thus brings people here.
Jason Golub, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
I think historic preservation and the unique historical buildings in our city are responsible for enhancing and continuing what makes our city so charming and historically significant, which is also an economic draw for visitors and those looking to reside here.
Concerns have been raised about the size and design of new construction in downtown. Do you share any of those concerns? If so, what do you think should be done to ensure that there is quality design that fits the historic charm of Saratoga Springs?
Ron Kim, Mayoral Candidate
I am not an expert in this area. I have heard two points of view on this issue and to be honest am not sure which is the best path. One school of thought (mostly for the Broadway corridor) is that the grand hotels that graced our City many years ago were of significant mass and scale and new construction would be bringing back that era. Moreover, larger buildings in our Downtown Core is in keeping with our Comprehensive Plan that contemplates more dense development in this area. On the other hand, I have also heard strong voices express concerns that larger buildings will obscure the historical buildings that have been preserved. In the end this issue should probably be resolved on a case by case basis by our Planning Board, Design Review and ZBA.
Christian E. Mathiesen DMD, Mayoral Candidate
I have no problem with the size of new construction in downtown Saratoga Springs. Those who insist that smaller buildings are somehow better don’t understand the history of the massive structures that used to occupy our downtown. Also, large buildings are an important part of our Comprehensive Plan, an often misunderstood living document that supports the development of a concentrated urban core while discouraging commercial and residential sprawl in our greenbelt. Yes, design of the buildings is important so that it does not clash with the older buildings in our downtown. To date, the buildings that have been constructed in our downtown have been done well. Our Design Review Board seems to be insisting on appropriate design standards to preserve our unique downtown district.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
In a dynamic city such as Saratoga Springs, there is only one way that residential growth happens and that is up. The comprehensive plan, in attempting to preserve our City in the Country concept, has adopted zoning initiatives supporting this kind of growth. I applaud the Preservation Council’s efforts to keep historical buildings intact and original in spite of these facts.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I do have some concerns related to the nature of the development that has happened over the last few decades. We need diverse housing stock so that the workers of our economy can have the opportunity to share in the quality of life that they contribute to. At present, we are seeing decreases in school class size and condos that are empty for long stretches of the year. Development is a direct reflection of a community’s values as well as the regulatory environment that exists. We need to do more to incentivize affordable workforce housing projects without compromising the look and feel that we all identify as Saratoga Springs. We are fortunate to have the issue of desirability but must lean into the work of balancing affordability and appearance through new zoning incentives for workforce projects. Lastly, I will be advancing legislation to bring our Short Term Rental Market some needed regulation. Far too many homes have been converted to illegal mini hotels. I believe our residential units should be homes for families and individuals, not profit centers for out-of-town interests.
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
I do share those concerns. I believe infill development in the city’s core is preferable to pushing outward, which could negatively impact our greenbelt. Yet when development projects don’t reflect the scale and proportions of nearby buildings, or incorporate a mish-mash of unrelated historical styles, they detract from the historic character of the neighborhood. I know that our Design Review Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board work to maintain the historic character of our community and its eight National Register Historic Districts. As Finance Commissioner, I would be responsible for budgets based on tax revenues that are directly linked to the beautiful streetscapes that our preservation advocates have fought for. I would seek to collaborate with local and state historic preservation advocates to enhance and improve the development process to maintain the financial advantages provided by a strong preservation ethic.
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
Saratoga Springs has a design review board, zoning board, and planning board who all have a significant role in the design of the downtown area. If thoughtful individuals are appointed to the various boards, then these controls are adequate to ensure all designs are proper.
Kristen Dart, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
I believe growth is important. However, that growth should fit within the design aesthetic of our community. I believe all projects should go through rigorous design review.
Jim Montagnino, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
We have a robust Uniform Development Ordinance, a strong Planning Board and a strong Design Review Commission. They keep watch over development, particularly on Broadway and in the Historic District. The proper goal of land use law should be to guide development. We need to guard against short-sighted projects that may benefit a few but overall risk harm to the character of the city as a whole.
Jason Golub, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
I do share some of these concerns regarding our downtown. I think downtown construction should always be mindful of what makes Saratoga special. We don’t want to become a concrete jungle so there needs to be a balance between new construction, preservation, environmentalism and what we want our city’s downtown to look like.
“Our city has several historic properties with great local historic significance but are not located in a local historic district, which means there is NO protection from demolition or irreversible changes. For example, 182 Excelsior Avenue (click here to learn more about its history).
Do you support Local Landmark designation for this and similar, unprotected properties? Why or why not?”
Ron Kim, Mayoral Candidate
I believe that the process that my administration has encouraged on this parcel will not only preserve 182 Excelsior but also will allow a reasonable development of the property that is consistent with our Comprehensive Plan. Having said that if I believed that there was any risks to the property NOT being preserved, I would not hesitate to step in and ask the City Council got a Local Landmark designation. To date I have not heard that this is a risk.
Christian E. Mathiesen DMD, Mayoral Candidate
I definitely support Local Landmark designation for restoration and preservation of properties that are located outside of our Historic District. 182 Excelsior is one example but there are others. It should be noted that, while I was Commissioner of Public Safety, I brought about the Vacant Properties Ordinance which aims to encourage owners of empty, unused buildings to either restore the buildings and put them back into use or sell the properties to someone who will. Older buildings of historic significance were the prime reason for my ordinance.
John Safford, Mayoral Candidate
I support Landmark designation wherever it can be supported and sustained in a practical way. In short, it is because of the uniqueness and beauty of the buildings we are so fortunate to have in Saratoga. I’ve lived in this city for over 30 years, and I am still impressed by the incredible monuments we have and I would love to see them preserved in some way.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate
I do support the local landmark program as well as the project mentioned as qualifying as one. I am an associated member of the Phillips family and know all too well what can happen to significant buildings in our community if they are not protected (their beautiful home became a dog walk). In talking about this issue with our Building and Planning Department professionals, I believe we need to aggressively identify and target the properties that need protection. There are significant and non-significant properties side by side these days. I do not think there is much opportunity to create a protected “zone” but rather we must go parcel by parcel.
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
There is a beautiful historic building on Grand Ave (beyond the train tracks). And someone recently bought the property right next to it, clear cut it and built a house that doesn’t fit with the character of the building next to it. So yes, I support this in philosophy but I think it is critical that we work with the owners as much as possible to ensure they have a say in the process.
Tim Coll, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
I believe each situation should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Each designation needs to account for the historical significance, current land uses, displacement of tenants, construction costs to keep the property historic, as well as potential litigation.
Kristen Dart, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
I think we have to balance the needs of preservation and community needs. If we are going to protect historic buildings from demolition or irreversible changes we need to support the owners of the properties. I do not think it is fair to create changes after the fact without support to rehab and preserve the buildings.
Jim Montagnino, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate
Yes. Once gone, historic buildings cannot be replaced. We need to temper future development with respect for our history. If we don’t know where we came from, we won’t know where we’re going.
Jason Golub, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate
I support 182 Excelsior Avenue being considered for local landmark designation and the move of the existing historic structure to allow for its restoration. As with anything, I think where there’s an opportunity to preserve and enhance historically significant buildings in our city, there is great value in doing so. It would be nice to have a more comprehensive registry of historic buildings in order to get in front of these sorts of issues proactively and not at the time buildings are sold.
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation believes that preserving our unique historic downtown and neighborhoods is essential to attracting new residents, visitors, and businesses to our community, directly contributing to the overall high quality of life and economic success of Saratoga Springs.
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.