SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation announces the return of the highly anticipated Historic Homes Tour! Join the Foundation and Honorary Co-chairs, Giovanna D’Orazio and Scott Peterson, virtually on Mother’s Day weekend, May 8 & 9, for this popular event that celebrates this community’s rich architectural heritage. This year’s tour promises to give you the exclusive opportunity to see interiors of beautiful private homes and buildings, including spaces that typically are not accessible during an in-person tour. The virtual tour of the North Broadway neighborhood will be available throughout the weekend allowing viewers to experience these special spaces at their leisure!
“Scott and I are honored to be the Honorary Co-Chairs for this year’s Historic Homes Tour. The work of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is critical to preserving the historic charm of our city. I’m excited that people both near and far will be able to enjoy this sneak peek into these private residences since it is being offered virtually,” said Giovanna D’Orazio.
The Foundation has worked to preserve and enhance the architecture and rich history of our city for more than 40 years. The Historic Homes Tour is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year. Historic Homes Tour tickets are $30 for SSPF members and $40 for non-members. Funds raised at this event support the Foundation’s efforts to preserve the unique architectural, landscaped, and cultural heritage of Saratoga Springs and ongoing educational programs.
“After being forced to cancel last year’s tour, we are excited for the return of the Historic Homes Tour! Of course we wish it could be held in person, but the silver lining to hosting it virtually is that it allows the event to be accessible to more people – those who may not typically be able to attend due to their location or inability to climb stairs,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart.
“Last year we had a tremendous response to our Virtual Porch Party, receiving over 8,200 views, and the other virtual programs with people joining us from across the country and as far as England,” Bosshart continued.
Several homes in the North Broadway neighborhood will be featured this year – 605 North Broadway, including the Coach House; 748 North Broadway; and 199 Woodlawn Avenue. The tradition of including a “Rehab-in-Progress” continues this year with 687 North Broadway, the former Masonic Lodge. “Many have always been curious to see what the inside of this building so we appreciate that the new owners are granting access prior to undertaking the rehabilitation,” shared Bosshart. Not only have the owners granted virtual access, they are also allowing people to tour the building in-person. For an additional ticket, people can tour the building from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, May 8. Rehab-in-Progress tour tickets are $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.
“This tour marks one the largest endeavors we have undertaken since moving to virtual programming. People will not be disappointed with the remarkable locations that will be on the tour,” remarked Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Director. “We are thrilled with the return of hosting our annual Breakfast & Buildings and Lunch & Learn programs as part of the event. Our presenters, Carol Godette and Charlie Kuenzel, are always crowd pleasers,” said Babie.
The Foundation is grateful to Anne’s Washington Inn, 111 South Broadway, for hosting the two programs on Saturday, May 8. At 9 am Carol Godette will present “Inside Anne’s Washington Inn” as the Breakfast & Buildings lecture. Guests will enjoy light breakfast fare while learning about this historic hotel that has been owner-operated for three generations since 1943 and hearing stories of those who have visited over the decades.
At noon, the Foundation will host Charlie Kuenzel who will present Lunch & Learn “North Broadway and the Evolution of Saratoga Springs.” Guests will enjoy a boxed lunch while Charlie shares about how North Broadway became the “address of status” and grew after the Civil War. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the newly opened The Little Market at Five Points.
In-person tickets for these events are $30 for SSPF Members and $35 for non-members. Space for Breakfast & Buildings and Lunch & Learn is limited to 30. People must be fully vaccinated per the Inn’s request. Both presentations will also be virtual. For those who are unable to attend in-person, tickets are $10 for SSPF Members and $15 for non-members.
This tour would not be possible without the generous support of our Honorary Committee members as well as our Corporate Sponsors. The Foundation is grateful for our Corinthian Level Sponsor, Green River Pictures, LLC., for producing the virtual Historic Homes Tour. In addition, we appreciate Ionic Level Sponsors – Adirondack Trust Company, Bonacio Construction, and Julie & Co. Realty; Doric Level Sponsors – DeCrescente Distributing Company, Miller Printing, New York Racing Association, Roohan Realty, and Saratoga Today; and Tuscan Level Sponsors – Allerdice Ace Hardware, Burns Management, D’Orazio Peterson, Discover Saratoga, Engineering America Co., Fingerpaint, Hoffman Car Wash, Life & Love Events, LISABATES DESIGN, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, PaperDolls of Saratoga, Phinney Design Group, Saratoga Dermatology & Medical Spa, Sensory Six, Sterling Manor Financial, LLC., Stewart’s Shops, Teakwood, and Turning Point Chiropractic.
Due to the overwhelming support from the Honorary Committee and Corporate Sponsors the Porch Party is currently sold out. This event is typically the kick-off to the Historic Homes Tour, but this year it will be held on Thursday, June 17 as a celebration of a successful virtual tour and to welcome the summer season in Saratoga Springs. The Foundation looks forward to safely gathering at 748 North Broadway while enjoying live music from Rich Ortiz and delicious food from Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant. Periodically check the Foundation’s website to see if additional tickets to the Porch Party become available.
For more information or to purchase tickets and to join to receive discounted prices, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. For updates please visit the Foundation’s Facebook page.
The 12866 