As many of you know there was a terrible fire on Caroline Street in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day. The Foundation thanks the City of Saratoga Springs Fire Department and area fire departments for their efforts in containing the fire, as well as the Saratoga Springs Police Department for keeping everyone in the area safe. In keeping with our mission to preserve the historic architecture of Saratoga Springs, the Foundation has been working since the fire to see if the building at 26-30 Caroline Street or, at the very least, its façade can be preserved.
The day of the fire the Foundation immediately reached out to the City of Saratoga Springs to express our interest in preserving the building. In addition, we contacted the owner to offer the services of a structural engineer. We are hopeful that he will take advantage of this offer. Should it be determined that the building or its façade cannot be saved, the City will need to take the necessary steps for its demolition.
The Italianate two-story commercial building was constructed circa 1870 as a tannery for Charles H. Sturges and has similar distinctive brick work as the Adelphi Hotel. The large service bays were converted into storefronts after 1908. The building also housed the Palmetto Fruit Company for many years, Coronet Press, the Clubhouse Bar, and, most recently, the Living Room Bar/Restaurant. The building is a “contributing building” to the Broadway Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in an Architectural Review District.
The Foundation will continue to stay in contact with the City regarding the process surrounding the potential demolition of this building and will keep you informed as to any developments. We appreciate your interest and dedication to the preservation of the architectural history 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.