Historic homes on Phila Street in Saratoga Springs will remain standing, for now
SARATOGA SPRINGS (WRGB) – Call it a giant reprieve for the two very rundown homes on Phila Street with long histories and up until now very uncertain futures.
After 20 years of neglect, it appears at least one is going to be restored to its former glory.
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You might remember just before Valentine’s Day, city residents staged a heart bomb rally outside the two homes on Phila Street, as a part of a campaign to save the buildings from the wrecking ball, which apparently now will not swing in their direction.
The application to demolish 65 Phila has now been withdrawn by the owners who have entered into a contract to sell the property to someone who is intending to preserve the building.
At the same time, the owner of the properties was denied permission by the city’s design review commission to demolish 65 Phila.
Samantha Bosshart is the executive director of the Historic Preservation Foundation. She says until restoration actually begins, she’s holding her breath, saying,
“We know its doable. It’s not going to be inexpensive, but the building can be preserved. It’s so exciting because the buildings have languished under the same owner for 20 years.”
The future of 65 Phila remains up in the air. The owner of both buildings will be in the city court on Tuesday for property maintenance code violations.
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Bosshart says she’s hopeful the judge will begin levying fines if they don’t start doing repairs on the both structures.
