The Roohan Building – 519 Broadway
Architecture and History of Saratoga blog series
by Commercial REALTOR® Olivia Huffman & Professor James Kettlewell
History of 519 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY – The building at 517-519 Broadway, originally called the Community Theater, was one of two main movie theaters in downtown Saratoga Springs. Generations of Saratogians enjoyed this impressive building for decades.
The key location on Broadway, across from the City Center, and one block from Town Hall and the Post Office, provided a central location that was (and still is) easily accessible to foot traffic.
The grand facade, with very substantial columns, was built in 1937. It is an example of the Colonial Revival Style, which incorporated elements of earlier American styles; Georgian, Federal and Greek Revival.
The style was most popular in the 1930s, and you can see many examples of it at Spa State Park. Colonial Revival Style was an imitation of the Federal style, based on the work of Robert Adams. The federal style is considered the epitome of American styles, an ode to the American forefathers, with stylistics features that refer back to the early American Republic.
The key architectural element, according to Kettlewell, is the large colonnaded-porch in front of brick building, which creates an imposing effect. The large windows are Federal in style and surround the original box-office of the theater.
“As well as being a fan of American Architecture, I was a fan of the Beatles,” notes Kettlewell. “I remember sitting through the movie “Help!” at the Community Theater numerous times.”
Today, 519 Broadway serves as an office building to a diverse number of businesses, including Roohan Realty, a beauty salon, a yoga establishment, and a financial group. Presently there is one office space available for rent, with easy access via the convenient lane directly behind the building, which also provides valuable downtown parking spaces.
Rent commercial space at 519 Broadway
About the Authors
Olivia Huffman is a commercial real estate agent at Roohan Realty with an interest in Saratoga’s history. Olivia’s Agent profile | Olivia’s Linkedin
Professor James Kettlewell graduated from Harvard Magna Cum Laude honors in the field of American Architecture. He began teaching at Harvard University and was a professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs for many years. He was also the curator at the Hyde Museum in Glens Falls. His book on Saratoga architecture (pictured above) is available at Lyrical Ballad bookstore on Phila Street in downtown Saratoga Springs and on Amazon. JamesKettlewell.com
Our Architecture and History of Saratoga blog series will continue next month, stay tuned!