adirondack trust, saratoga springs, new york, architecture, broadway historic district

Although I spend most of my time right here in New England, I love to explore other areas when I have the chance. My daughter participates in crew, and her team competes in the Head of the Fish Regatta in Saratoga Springs, New York annually.

This year we went up a day early and were able to spend a few hours exploring downtown Saratoga.

Having promised my daughter some shopping and a bite to eat, we spent most of the afternoon in the commercial area of the Broadway Historic District. The district represents a successful revitalization of a series of decaying historic buildings along the main street through town.

italianate, town hall, saratoga springs, new york, architecture, broadway, historic district
City Hall, c. 1871. Built in the Italianate style, the building used to have a central bell tower that was removed for safety reasons.

When originally built, the commercial area on Broadway was the hub of city life, with government buildings, banks, shops, restaurants and a variety of other businesses. But times changed and similar to other main street areas in downtowns across the country, Broadway fell into disrepair with many vacancies and very little foot traffic.

In the 1960s the citizens of Saratoga Springs took advantage of federal funds available for urban renewal to re-energize their city. Unfortunately, at that time many felt that older buildings were to blame for the deterioration, and so many were lost to make way for new construction and development.

broadway, saratoga springs, historic district, new york, architecture
The painted brick and trim bring out the architectural details of this beauty under renovation.

The silver lining to the redevelopment that occurred was a concerted effort by town residents to restore and rehabilitate the remaining historic buildings on Broadway, ultimately leading to today’s blend of architectural styles.

As my daughter and I strolled down Broadway my eyes jumped from one beautiful facade to the next, each with unique materials, style and details. It was a Saturday afternoon, and the sidewalks were full of people taking advantage of a crisp fall day.

mansard, victorian, historic district, broadway, saratoga springs, new york, architecture
A mansard roof and windows of varying architectural styles are the hallmarks of this building housing Saratoga Trunk: Lady’s Finery.

Residents and visitors alike (including a number of obvious regatta participants!) were clearly enjoying the shops, art galleries and restaurants that now occupy renovated buildings.

Although many of the buildings date back to the 19th century, the businesses that occupy them are anything but old. Chic boutiques, world-class eateries and trendy bars are the norm in downtown Saratoga Springs.

turret, architecture, broadway historic district, saratoga springs, new york
The shapely roofline and turret of one of Broadway’s historic buildings.

Downtown areas all over the country are being revitalized today with the help of Main Street America, a program sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Over its 35 year history, the program has helped over 2,000 commercial districts with the renewal process.

With their Four Point Approach, which is a combination of organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring, Main Street America has come up with a winning formula for revitalizing commercial districts in both small towns and larger cities.

Local communities can partner with them to institute their own Main Street revitalization program obtaining valuable technical advice and developing a working plan to make it happen.

bank, broadway historic district, saratoga springs, new york, architecture
The main office of the Adirondack Trust Company on Broadway.

The Broadway Historic District is but one piece of the vibrant Saratoga Springs area. Having only a few hours there on a Saturday afternoon felt almost cruel knowing all that the city has to offer, but the little taste that I had guarantees I will be back.

Saratoga is well-known for much more than its historic architecture, which includes not only the Broadway Historic District but also city streets lined with incredible Victorian homes and mansions. One of its most famous institutions is the Saratoga Race Course.

tiffany, bronze, doors, bank, broadway historic district, saratoga springs, new york
The Tiffany bronze doors of the Adirondack Trust Company accent the white marble construction.

Opened in 1864, by some counts the Saratoga racetrack is the oldest sports venue in the country and among its most beautiful. Visitors flock by the thousands to Saratoga in the summer months for a day at the races at a track run by such greats as Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Man O’War and Affirmed.

Spectators can sit in the beautiful grandstand, the oldest continuously used structure of its kind in the country. Built in the Queen Anne style, with a slate roof and turrets, the building has become the icon of the course.

broadway historic district, italianate, architecture, new york, saratoga springs
Another example of the Italianate style on Broadway.

Rounding out Saratoga’s welcoming slogan of “Health, History and Horses” are its famous mineral springs. Among only a few carbonated mineral springs in the country, the famous waters of Saratoga contributed to the creation of an entire industry.

By the middle of the 19th century, Saratoga Springs was known as the “Queen of Spas” and visitors from all over would come to bathe in its waters to benefit from the health claims made by doctors at the time.

Although the majority of its health benefits have been debunked, you can still bathe in its waters at two remaining historic spas, such as the Roosevelt Baths & Spa at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Spa State Park, and enjoy its fizziness by drinking from the springs directly or from bottles.

apartment building, algonquin building, broadway, saratoga springs, historic district, architecture, new york
The Algonquin, originally built as an apartment building with retail stores on the first level, is still serving the same purpose today with modernizations that respect the building’s historic features.

I plan to return to Saratoga with friends on a summer weekend when we can enjoy all of what Saratoga has to offer: a day at the races, an afternoon at the spa and hours spent walking, dining and shopping along the historic streets of downtown.

Has there been a successful Main Street revitalization near you? Or is there a Main Street area close by that has seen better days? Please comment below!


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Enjoy this post? You might enjoy reading about my visits to Charleston, South Carolina and Naples, Florida.

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10 Comments

    1. I just loved the little taste that I had! I would really love to go back in the summer and go to the track and enjoy some more time walking around.

  1. My niece used to work at Union College in Schenectady and whenever we went to visit her we would stay in Saratoga Springs. We love it there! We still return yearly to visit the race track – one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever been to. It’s like walking into a Mary Poppins movie. Thanks for the showcase of the beautiful buildings in one of my favorite cities!

    1. Thanks Bonnie!! I was there for just a few hours but I’m dying to get back! I would love to go in the summer and visit the track. And of course see more of the incredible architecture 🙂

  2. Beautiful photos and a nice bit of history. So many buildings were lost all over America in the 60s. I’m glad they chose to restore some to their original beauty.

    1. I’m new at learning about our “architectural past” and as I read about urban renewal and the idea that the older buildings were to blame I was so sad!! I guess it’s a process – I’m glad there is some recognition now that older buildings are worth saving. Although certainly there are those who don’t think twice about tearing them down!

    1. Exactly, Jean! And the homes around there are just incredible! So much interesting architecture. I wish I had more time to walk around but I’ll be back!

  3. Lovely. The Broadway building with the turret reminds me of one here. I do believe it shares the same colors. Honest to goodness, we pass it from overhead on the interstate all the time, but I couldn’t tell you where it’s actually located. If I ever stumble upon it, I will photograph it.
    I shall go see what you posted about Naples. I do love the architecture and color in Naples — OH! and that charming little zoo 🙂

    1. Too funny! Don’t hurt yourself trying to get a pic of it 🙂 I visited Naples for a business conference last year and decided to go a day early so I could see the downtown area. I loved it!! The homes are gorgeous but sadly most of the historic cottages have been ripped out to make way for big, modern homes. They are beautiful in their own way but I love those charming little cottages!!

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