Category Archives: Construction

The enacted New York state budget includes $110 million in capital funding to continue the NY Parks 2020 initiative to revitalize the state’s flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects, including more than $2 million for two projects in Saratoga Spa State Park.

By Christine Graf
The Saratoga City Center is awaiting final approval from the city to build Flat Rock Center, a 600-space parking garage.
The move would end a long debate as to what to do with the property and how to provide more parking for the center.
City Center executive director Ryan McMahon said the approximately $15 million, project would be paid for through the center’s budget.

By Maureen Werther

Construction is underway on new 2,580 square-foot barn being erected by the renowned thoroughbred auction company Fasig-Tipton.

The barn is being built on the corner of Case and George streets in Saratoga Springs, not far from Saratoga Race Course. The project is being managed by the LA Group. Officials said it will be ready for use at the 2018 yearling sales this summer.

The barn will contain 19 stalls and the building will compliment the existing structures across the street. The plans also call for sidewalks, street lights, trees and decorative fencing on the 0.43-acre lot owned by Fasig-Tipton.

By Jill Nagy

“We can do a site inspection without leaving our desk” and drafting no longer requires pencil and paper or the dreaded drafting pen, said Ed Garrigan, the president of C.T. Male Associates, about the impact of new technology on his field of engineering and surveying.  

“Some old-school people like me” still sketch on paper now and then, he aid. But he remains enthusiastic about the “amazing” changes he has seen in his profession and his company, largely in the last five to 10 years. 

“It’s a challenge to keep up,” he said. 

In order to do so, the company has committees to analyze new equipment and software and to train employees to use it. The company also has a separate IT department. 

By Maureen Werther

Sonny Bonacio, president of Bonacio Construction, has purchased the property on Excelsior Avenue in Saratoga Springs that was Stark’s Auto for some 60 years.

Bonacio said he has not yet finalized plans for the parcel at 62-64 Excelsior Ave. He purchased the property on May 25 from Sidney Stark. The purchase price was $450,000 and the deal was made through Bonacio’s real estate holding company, RR Depot LLC.

He called the purchase “a defensive move.” His company recently constructed 14 residential condominiums at Excelsior East, as well as four 1,500-square-foot commercial spaces. While 12 of the 14 condominiums have been sold, three of the four commercial spaces have not been filled as quickly as Bonacio anticipated. 

**Project Name Corrected May 21, 2018**

By Maureen Werther

Witt Construction is getting ready to begin construction on a new project, Downton Walk, in Saratoga Springs. The condominium project at 27 Jumel Place includes seven upscale English-style homes that will offer privacy combined with a feeling of community, according to the company.

The parcel, which was cleared last year, was formerly home to a small manufacturing facility and a ballet studio with apartments.

The intimate cluster of seven homes will be situated on one parcel of land, offering the feel of a small, intimate neighborhood enclave, but with the advantage of private yards. The homes will range in size from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, with an abundance of optional spaces that could be used for such things as additional bedrooms, entertainment areas, gyms, wine cellars or lower level garages.

By Maureen Werther

Teakwood Home Builders is about half way through its renovation and expansion of the 1940s-style box garage and former home of Mangione Locksmiths at 75 Church St. in Saratoga Springs. 

When it is complete, the building will serve as headquarters and showroom for the company. But it will also be an homage to an industrial age style of architecture that has faded from the landscape in this part of the country, the company said.

Jim Sasko, owner and president of Teakwood Builders, said he conducted in-depth research into the history of the architectural style of the 1940s box-style garages. The typical design consisted of two overhead doors with a glass front that wrapped around one corner of the structure.