Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation 2023 Historic Homes Tour May 13

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Co-Chairs Zane and Brady Carruth, will welcome spring with the 2023 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 13. 

The event will be held 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes of the East Side neighborhood of Saratoga Springs.

Three private residences on Circular Street will be featured as well as a condominium in the Stone Abbey, 125 Circular Street, and Circular Manor Bed & Breakfast at 120 Circular Street. The tour will also include two private residences on Union Avenue and a “Rehabilitation-in-Progress.”  

“I’m excited that this year’s tour will feature a variety of different homes and buildings that showcase Saratoga Springs’ architecture and history of the people who lived in them. I’m particularly thrilled that the ‘Rehabilitation-in-Progress’ will be the 1851 Alexander A. Patterson House at 65 Phila Street, our current project,” said Samantha Bosshart, executive director of SSPF.    

In addition, 153 Regent Street will be open.  This was the first building to be constructed for the Young Women’s Industrial Club, the predecessor institution of Skidmore College.  Lucy Skidmore Scribner built the building in 1904 to serve as an auditorium, gymnasium, and dining room.  

The virtual tour features three buildings, two of which are on the in-person tour and Union Gables, 55 Union Avenue, that is only featured on the virtual tour.  

In addition to the tour, the Foundation is hosting two educational programs on Saturday, May 13. At 260 Broadway, Carol Godette will discuss the visionary Franklin Smith who constructed “The House of Pansa” in 1889, a replica of a home in the ancient city of Pompeii. Program starts at 9 a.m. at Death Wish Coffee Company, 260 Broadway.  Light breakfast will be provided by Spring Street Deli.  

Join Charlie Kuenzel for the Lunch & Learn program “Eliza Jumel: The Story of a Successful Woman.” The Lunch & Learn begins at 12:00 p.m. at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St. Lunch will be provided by Neighborhood Kitchen.   

The Historic Homes Tour is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser of the year and underwrites the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs through educational programs, advocacy efforts, technical assistance, and restoration projects. 

Historic Homes Tour tickets for the in-person and virtual tours are $35 for SSPF members and $45 for non-members. Virtual tour tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for non-members. Tickets for the Buildings & Breakfast and Lunch & Learn programs are $30 for SSPF members and $35 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited for these educational programs and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 10. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org to become a member to receive event ticket discounts and support preserving Saratoga Springs.