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The Broadway Historic District is a distinguished area that reflects the city鈥檚 rich history and architectural diversity. Stretching along Broadway, the district has a dual character, with its southern section serving as the commercial core of the city and its northern section featuring grand Victorian residences. Many of these homes were built by wealthy visitors drawn to the area's famed mineral springs and horse racing scene.

Recognized for its historical significance, the Broadway Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Over the years, the district鈥檚 boundaries have been expanded twice to include additional historically significant buildings, such as a church designed by Richard Upjohn.

Among its most notable contributing properties are the Adelphi Hotel, the Adirondack Trust Company Building, Bethesda Episcopal Church, City Hall, and the U.S. Post Office, which was later recognized as an individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Other structures, such as the Collamer Building (1884) with its Queen Anne gable and miniature turrets, further enrich the architectural landscape of the district.

North Broadway, the residential portion of the district, is home to impressive historic estates. Notable buildings include the Ellis House (1885鈥�86), a Romanesque Revival residence designed by Albany architect Albert Fuller, featuring a three-story engaged tower and widow鈥檚 walk. Another landmark is the President鈥檚 House at 670 North Broadway, a Colonial Revival mansion built between 1895 and 1900, which now serves as the residence of Skidmore College鈥檚 president.

The United States Post Office is a historic Classical Revival building. Built in 1910, the post office was designed by James Knox Taylor, the Supervising Architect for the U.S. Treasury Department.

Notable for its elegant architecture, the brick and granite structure stands as a prominent landmark in the city鈥檚 downtown area. It is set back slightly from Broadway, surrounded by mature trees and landscaped greenery, adding to its distinguished appearance. The yellow pressed Roman brick exterior and granite foundation highlight its stately design, with marble and limestone trim further enhancing its classical aesthetic.

Inside, the lobby was once one of the most elaborate of any post office in New York State at the time of its construction. During the 1930s, two murals depicting Saratoga鈥檚 famous race track were added, enriching the historical significance of the building. While some modern renovations have altered the original interior, key architectural features remain intact.

The 14-foot-high coffered ceiling, adorned with intricate plasterwork and a leaded glass skylight, reflects the grandeur of early 20th-century federal buildings. The original bronze doors鈥攖hough functionally replaced with modern aluminum versions鈥攕till frame the entrance, preserving the building鈥檚 historic character.

Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the Saratoga Springs Post Office was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Additionally, it has been a contributing property to the Broadway Historic District since the district鈥檚 designation in 1978. Today, it continues to serve the community while offering visitors a glimpse into Saratoga Springs鈥� early 20th-century elegance.

The history of Saratoga Springs as an incorporated entity dates back to 1826, when it was officially recognized as a village. During the 19th century, the city became a favored retreat for prominent political and cultural figures, including Martin Van Buren and Stephen Douglas.

As the city's importance grew, so did the need for an official government building. City Hall was completed in 1871, providing a permanent home for local administration. In 1915, with Saratoga Springs鈥� transition from a village to a fully incorporated city, the building鈥檚 name was officially changed to City Hall.

Saratoga Springs City Hall was built by the firm Cummings & Burt in the Italianate style. This elegant structure originally featured a bell tower and clock, which were removed in 1936. As part of the Broadway Historic District, the building contributes to the city's rich architectural heritage and was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The Adirondack Trust Company, the largest independent community bank in Saratoga County, has been a cornerstone of the local financial landscape for over a century. Founded in 1902, the bank has remained largely under the leadership of the Wait family for four generations.

The bank's headquarters, located in the Broadway Historic District, is a 1916 Beaux-Arts architectural gem designed by Alfred Hopkins. The elegant white marble structure features ornate Tiffany bronze doors and chandeliers, adding to its grandeur. As a tribute to the region鈥檚 natural beauty, the building鈥檚 decorations incorporate Adirondack themes throughout. In 2001, in celebration of its centennial, the bank commissioned a 22-by-9-foot mural from artist Anne Diggory, titled The Flume.

A fascinating historical feature of the Adirondack Trust Company headquarters is its 1916 time capsule, placed within the building's cornerstone during its construction. The capsule, opened 100 years later, contained a variety of historical documents, including newspapers reporting on World War I, brochures about Congress Park, the bank's original 1902 founding ledger, and a letter from State Senator Edgar T. Brackett. In keeping with tradition, a new time capsule was placed in its stead, containing modern-day artifacts such as a visitor鈥檚 guide, Saratoga National Historic coins, and digital records.

The Adelphi Hotel, a cherished landmark in Saratoga Springs, has been synonymous with luxury and prestige since its grand opening in 1877. Originally established to cater to the wealthy visitors drawn to the city鈥檚 famed natural mineral springs, horse racing, and opulent resorts, the hotel quickly became a focal point of high society. Business magnates, politicians, and prominent figures such as John Morrissey, the founder of the Saratoga Race Course, and Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, a titan of industry, frequented the hotel.

In fact, Morrissey spent his final days at the Adelphi, passing away in 1878 at the age of 47. His body was laid in state in a second-floor parlor overlooking the piazza. As Saratoga鈥檚 reputation as a premier vacation destination grew, the Adelphi Hotel cemented itself as an enduring symbol of the city's Victorian grandeur.

The Adelphi Hotel managed to withstand the shifting tides of history while many of its contemporaries, such as the Grand Union Hotel and the United States Hotel, succumbed to demolition in the mid-20th century. In 1978, after five years of vacancy, Sheila Parkert and Gregg Siefker purchased the Adelphi, painstakingly restoring it room by room to recapture its former glory.

Today, the Adelphi Hotel's Victorian-style architecture, refined interior d茅cor, and rich heritage continue to attract visitors who seek an authentic Saratoga Springs experience. As a restored Gilded Age gem, the Adelphi offers guests a chance to step back in time while indulging in the finest contemporary amenities.

The East Side Historic District is a predominantly residential neighborhood that reflects the city's Gilded Age prosperity. Spanning 114 acres, the district is located just east of downtown, extending near Saratoga Race Course. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, this area became home to the city鈥檚 affluent residents, who built elegant homes when Saratoga Springs was one of the premier resort destinations in the United States. Recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the East Side Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Within the district, there are 379 buildings, most of which retain their historic character. The architectural styles range from Gothic Revival to Bungalow, with many homes featuring clapboard or brick facades. Notably, only 15 buildings are of modern construction, including a supermarket, which does not contribute to the district鈥檚 historical integrity.

Several important institutional structures remain from the district鈥檚 past, such as Skidmore College鈥檚 former art school, a church, a fire station, and an elementary school. While none of the buildings are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, their collective preservation helps maintain the district's historic charm.

Among the significant properties in the district is the R. Newton Brezee House at 119 Caroline Street, a Queen Anne-style residence built in 1892 by one of the city's leading architects. Another notable building is the New York State Armory at 60 Lake Avenue, a Romanesque Revival brick structure designed by state architect Isaac Perry in 1890. Additionally, the Regent Street Theatre at 153 Regent Street, built in 1903, was the first structure designed for Skidmore College and showcases Colonial Revival architecture.

The Union Avenue Historic District is a striking corridor of Victorian-era architecture that stretches 1.5 miles from Congress Park to the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87). Lined with towering Queen Anne mansions, lush lawns, and ornate stonework, Union Avenue is one of the city's most picturesque historic areas. The Victorian mansions, set back from the street, boast elaborate facades, rusticated masonry, and intricate carvings, making them a defining feature of this historic corridor.

The Saratoga Race Track, an integral part of Union Avenue's heritage, dates back to 1864 and features an iconic turreted grandstand and historic horse barns. The district's easternmost landmark, Yaddo, is a late Victorian castellated mansion perched atop a hill, offering a commanding view of its 245-acre estate. The estate, owned by the Corporation of Yaddo, includes formal rose gardens, five lakes, and thirteen historic buildings showcasing cobblestone, shingle, and stucco exteriors.

Union Avenue serves as a showcase of the Queen Anne architectural style, with fourteen classic examples featuring towers, turrets, bay windows, decorative stonework, and half-timbered facades. While colonial and Italianate elements can be found throughout the district, the grandest and most ornate buildings are concentrated at the western end, while smaller, yet equally historic residences are situated closer to the race track.

The district remains remarkably intact, with only a handful of modern intrusions, such as a Skidmore dormitory and a gas station, disrupting the historic landscape. Despite these few non-historic structures, the Union Avenue Historic District remains an architectural gem, preserving the Gilded Age splendor of Saratoga Springs.

The Saratoga Springs Visitor Center serves as a welcoming gateway for travelers exploring the city. Housed in the historic Drinkhall, a Beaux-Arts style building originally constructed in 1915 as a trolley station by the Hudson Valley Railroad, the Visitor Center provides a wealth of resources for visitors. Inside, guests will find informative exhibits, brochures, and friendly staff ready to assist with local recommendations and travel guidance. Conveniently situated across from Congress Park, this historic landmark is an essential first stop for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Saratoga Springs.

The building itself is a beautiful architectural gem, designed by Ludlow and Peabody in the Beaux-Arts style. It features a stuccoed central block flanked by two lower wings, and a rear porch that once functioned as a trolley platform. Decorative details such as the arrowhead frieze and ornamental panels add to its grandeur. The high barrel-vaulted ceiling inside the central hall enhances its historic charm, making it not just a resource center but also an attraction in its own right.

The building was repurposed in the 1940s as a mineral water drink hall, a nod to the city's renowned healing springs, before eventually being recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. With its central location, informative exhibits, and stunning architecture, the Visitor Center is both a practical resource and a must-see stop for history enthusiasts.

Bethesda Episcopal Church is a historic landmark and a prominent place of worship in Saratoga Springs. Incorporated in 1830, the parish initially held services in a refitted spring house donated by John Clarke, located at what is now Congress Park. As the city grew and summer visitors increased, the need for a larger building became evident.

In 1841, the church acquired its current site on Washington Street, and under the design of renowned architect Richard Upjohn, construction began on an English Gothic-style stone church. The first services were held in 1844, with further additions, including side aisles, completed by 1856. The church's distinctive Norman Romanesque tower, designed by A. Page Brown and funded by Mrs. Rockwell Putnam in memory of her late husband, was added in 1887, along with stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows that enhance the building鈥檚 grandeur.

Listed as a contributing property in the Broadway Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, Bethesda Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and architectural beauty. The interior of the church features a striking hammer-beamed ceiling and is well known for its music programs, including a long tradition of choral and organ performances.

As Bethesda Episcopal Church approaches its bicentennial in 2030, it continues to thrive as a center of spiritual life and community service. Its location in the heart of Saratoga Springs, combined with its historical significance and architectural splendor, makes it an interesting landmark for those interested in history, faith, and the arts. Whether attending a service, enjoying a concert, or simply admiring its historic beauty, Bethesda Episcopal Church continues to inspire and uplift all who walk through its doors.

Universal Preservation Hall (UPH) is a premier arts and community events venue. Originally built in 1871 as the First Methodist Episcopal Church, this historic structure is considered one of the earliest and finest examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture in the country. Designed by E. Boyden & Son, the building features striking rose-colored brick contrasted with Ohio sandstone to emphasize its pointed Gothic arches, defining both the doors and windows.

Inside, its magnificent walnut and ash staircases lead to the main theatre, where the soaring 45-foot ceilings and Tiffany-inspired stained glass windows create a truly breathtaking atmosphere. The 3,000-pound Meneely bell, housed in the tallest tower in Saratoga Springs, is a lasting testament to the building鈥檚 storied past.

After years of neglect, the hall was condemned in 2000, but a dedicated group of local preservationists worked tirelessly to restore its grandeur. The venue hosts an impressive array of events, including concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, weddings, conferences, and art exhibits. Despite its transformation into a major cultural destination, UPH continues to honor its roots, serving as the worship space for the Universal Baptist Church, a historically African-American congregation that remains an integral part of the building鈥檚 legacy.

UPH is a sought-after venue for weddings and special events, offering several unique spaces that exude historic charm and elegance. The Chapel, with its classic design, can accommodate up to 90 guests for intimate ceremonies. The crown jewel of UPH is the Great Hall, an expansive 5,500-square-foot ballroom featuring cathedral ceilings, wraparound balconies, and intricate hand-carved details.

The West Side Historic District is a residential neighborhood located just west of downtown. Spanning 122 acres, it stretches from the blocks west of Broadway to extensions along Church Street and Washington Street. Within this district lies the former Franklin Square Historic District, which remains intact as part of its historical landscape.

The West Side developed in the 19th century, influenced first by early land grants and later by the arrival of railroads, which played a significant role in shaping the community. During Saratoga Springs鈥� boom years as a resort town, the West Side became home to the city's working-class residents. In 1994, the district was officially recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The district contains almost 600 properties, including 500 historic wood-frame houses that maintain their architectural integrity. The homes reflect vernacular 19th-century styles, with two distinct types of residences. The most upscale homes are found along Franklin Square, Church Street, Woodlawn Street, Clinton Street, and Van Dam Street, where two-story townhouses showcase elegant architectural details.

Some of these residences incorporate brick or stone facades, ornate ornamentation, and spacious porches, often with a generous setback from the street. These homes were built for wealthier residents who still lived within the predominantly working-class district. In contrast, the majority of homes in the district are modest village residences, typically one to two stories with front-facing gables, smaller lots, and minimal decorative elements.

The district also includes two individually listed properties on the National Register, one of which is a house, and the other a cemetery. Additionally, 18 sites of former homes are considered contributing properties to the district鈥檚 historic character.

The Hiram Charles Todd House, also known as the Marvin-Sackett-Todd House, is a historic Greek Revival residence. Built in the 1830s by a local hotelier, the house later became the home of Hiram Charles Todd, a descendant of one of the original owners and an influential figure in New York state politics. Remarkably, the house has remained largely unaltered, retaining its original architectural details. In 1972, it became the first property in Saratoga Springs to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Later that year, it was designated a contributing property within the Franklin Square Historic District, which later merged into the West Side Historic District. Today, the Todd House serves as office space for several local businesses while maintaining its historic charm.

Situated just south of the Franklin square, the house is surrounded by a residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and similar-sized historic homes, many in Greek Revival and Victorian styles. A decorative iron fence lines the north and east edges of the property, and a parking lot sits at the rear. The two-story house features a square three-by-three-bay central block with a seven-bay T-shaped rear wing. The clapboard siding covers a wood frame with diagonal brick braces, adding structural integrity.

One of its most striking features is the full-height pedimented portico, supported by four fluted Doric columns, which shelters the main entrance, flanked by projecting bay windows. The mostly flat roof is punctuated by six chimneys, and the house includes five porches, each with unique architectural elements.

The interior of the Hiram Charles Todd House showcases elegant Greek Revival design, beginning with a central hall that features a double staircase converging into a curved single stairway. The first-floor drawing room, extending along the entire south side of the house, is divided by a semi-elliptical arch, adding a sense of grandeur. At the west end of the living room, two French doors lead into the music room, enhancing the house鈥檚 stately character. The west wing, the only section with a gabled roof, includes an upstairs porch and a larger enclosed porch on the ground floor.