The porch under construction in November 2017. ©Patty Lane
Chris Bennett handcrafted decorative porch details of 144 Spring Street. ©SSPF
fondly remembers, “as teenagers my friends and I would sit on the front porch watching the boys drive by,” she said with a giggle. Once the tree hit, the porch was replaced with a simple entry porch. “I always thought it looked funny without the full-width porch,” she said. It was the pictures that Barbara shared that changed the design of the decorative details of the porch. Not only was Patty excited about the photos, so was Chris Bennett. “I love to preserve things - I love porches!” exclaimed Chris. When asked what he enjoyed most about the project at 144 Spring Street, he responded “I love any opportunity where I can make a building whole again.” Chris truly has a love for carpentry, which started when he took grade school shop classes and thankfully it has yet to stop. Later, he attended North Bennett Street Trade School, the oldest trade school in the country. He moved to Saratoga Springs in 1991. His work can be seen on numerous porches in the East Side neighborhood - a porch column, baluster, top rail, newel post, decorative bracket, or, as in this case, an entire porch. Many of his projects have been acknowledged by the Foundation with Preservation Recognition Awards. Not only does Chris’ passion make him stand out, so does his attention to detail. “He is a meticulous craftsperson who cares about every detail,” Eric commented. He handmade each piece historically proportionate - every crown molding, baseboard, bracket, and column. It took him six hours to construct each porch column, each with 20 miter joints. This is why his work stands out more than others who chose to purchase pre-cut materials at a big box store. “The dimensions and proportions are just not the same - the devil is in the details,” he explains. However, the porch would not saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
be complete without the detailed painting done by Chris Cameron of North Country Colorworks. Patty described him as “a wonderful perfectionist.” Construction of the porch started in September and was completed in December. Despite cold temperatures, Patty and Eric have already taken every opportunity when the weather warms to enjoy their new porch and cannot wait for summer. It took the talent of many people to create this restored piece of art. Each one needs to be recognized - Patty and Eric for their time, investment and stewardship; Tom Frost as the architect; Chris Bennett as the skillful carpenter; and Chris Cameron for the precise painting. “We are incredibly lucky to live in a community that has so many who have a passion for preserving our heritage,” reflected Patty. While speaking with Patty, she said “I always like to leave a place I live a little bit better and make a mark on the house.” Well, you have certainly done that! Saratoga Springs is lucky to have you! For those who want to see not only the porch of 144 Spring Street, but also the beautiful interior, the house will be featured on the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s 2018 Historic Homes Tour, which takes place on Saturday, May 12. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs. To learn more, become a member, or make a donation, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org. SS MARCH/APRIL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 25