Saratoga Springs will receive $750,000 from New York state to help renovate Universal Preservation Hall, a historic nonprofit community arts organization, into a performing arts center.

In 2019, the heart of the hall will be a 700-seat, arena-style performance venue, geared toward live music, but capable of hosting theater, dance, comedy and fashion, as well as conventions, weddings and community events. The reonovations also include administrative offices and an elevator for increased accessibility.

The project is approaching its stated fundraising goal of $5 million.

Construction for the rehabilitation and preservation of the Roosevelt II Bathhouse in Saratoga Spa State Park is under way, state officials said.

The project is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate the state park system.

A $2.2 million renovation project will convert the 1930s Georgian Revival-style bathhouse into a multi-purpose facility for Coesa and additional future tenants. The 18,000-foot facility will have a renewed front lobby, new public restrooms, updated utilities, and a new tenant space for the Coesa Wellness Center. 

Discover Saratoga (also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau)has named Darryl Leggieri as president of the organization. 

Leggieri joins the team with nearly 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

He succeeds Todd Garofano in the position. Garofano is moving on after eight years of service.

“We are thrilled that Darryl has agreed to lead our organization. Darryl’s knowledge of the conference and convention market in our region along with his many relationships with meeting planners who love coming to Saratoga Springs, makes him a perfect fit,” said Cindy Hollowood, board of directors chairperson and general manager of the Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Racing City Brewing Co. officially opened in March. Owners Debreen and Tony Oliva are producing their own craft beer at 250 Excelsior Ave.

The couple has owned and operated Oliva Vineyards in Saratoga for over 15 years.

The Racing City Brewing Co. serves beer, Oliva Vineyards wines, hard cider, cocktails, spirits and light pub fare. The space was once a FedEx distribution center, and is now not only the tasting room, but a four-barrel brewing  system with space for Oliva Vineyards production and operations.

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership released its Saratoga County Economic Index  on March 29, saying it portrays a robust economy that is fueling revenue and employment growth among businesses and generating strong optimism for the future.

“The Saratoga County Economic Index makes crystal clear what we promote on a daily basis: Saratoga County is among the nation’s most desirable places to start, locate and grow a business,” said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “Our strategic and proactive approach to economic development is essential to ensuring our economy remains vibrant and delivers long-term, sustainable results.”

By Maureen Werther

In addition to the thousands of visitors who travel to Saratoga Springs each summer for the race track, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and Live Nation concerts and events, the area is also a mecca for businesses of all sizes who want to reward employees or entice clients with special venues and events designed specifically for them.

Working in a spirit of collaboration with SPAC, Live Nation brings events and performers to the region that benefit the city’s bottom line and helps bolster the downtown economy during the busy spring, summer and early fall. 

Saratoga and Albany counties are looking to build a waste treatment facility that would—at the end of the line—convert the waste into energy that could be sold to other entities.

Plans were unveiled March 29 at an event attended by representatives of both county board of supervisors, as well as other officials.

The price tag for the waste-to-energy plant is estimated at $45 million and it would be located in the village of Menands, north of Albany and about eight miles sough of the Saratoga County town of Waterford.