photo credit Shelly Anderson, 12/09

Our mission at the 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.

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.  UPH is working to 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, dance performances, theater productions, film festivals and film series, corporate meetings, art gallery events, etc.

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.

Public Benefit

Restoration of Universal Preservation Hall will result in five chief benefits to the community:

1. Restore an architecturally significant historic building in the heart of Saratoga Springs’ downtown historic district.
2. Create a 600-700 seat auditorium that will enhance the city’s commitment to the performing arts and provide another needed venue for conferences, wedding receptions, etc.
3. Enable a congregation to continue its worship in downtown Saratoga Springs.
4. Continue the economic enhancement of Saratoga Springs.
5. Emphasize through educational programs and community involvement the importance of history and preservation to the quality of life in Saratoga Springs.

Board of Directors and Staff

The Universal Preservation Hall is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization and is managed and directed by a board of directors.  Please click here for the UPH Board of Directors 3/2010 and their positions.

Currently, our office is managed by Mary Beth McGarrahan, part-time.