Universal Preservation Hall

The restoration of the Saratoga Springs Universal Preservation Hall is a true community project. Since the building was condemned in 1999, a group of dedicated and visionary Saratogians would not let the space be turned into a parking lot—but envisioned a true community space, adding to downtown’s vitality and continuation of a culture of the arts that Saratoga is coming to be known by. SSUPH will transform this gem of a historic building; generate commerce for downtown and surrounding businesses through street traffic, patronage of restaurants and shops as the theater goers head to concerts of all types, wedding receptions, lectures, readings, theater productions, film festivals and film series, corporate meetings, art gallery events, etc.

The five-fold mission of the Saratoga Springs Universal Preservation Hall is to:

* Sustain a unique venue for the performing arts and for cultural, educational, and community events.
* Preserve and maintain the historic building.
* Derive sufficient income through rental of the Hall to support operations and programming.
* Provide a permanent place of worship for the Universal Baptist Church.
* Promote and enhance the economic vitality of the region.

Community outreach programs have been planned for in the renovation of the first floor’s community room. This space will also host the concession stand, and has a large kitchen area in back. We have sought the advice of theater, conference and concert hall professionals for the 7,000 square foot, 600-700 seat performing arts space to make sure we will not try to be all things to all people, but a focused performing arts hall catering to Saratoga, and our surrounding community.