The Algonquin
The Algonquin: Returning an Icon to its Glory
Historic Preservation in Saratoga Springs, NY
Long before apartments and condominiums cropped up throughout historic Saratoga Springs, New York, The Algonquin had already made a name for itself. Built in 1892, it was part of a movement to usher in a new idea: multi-family buildings weren’t just for tenements, they could house luxury living.
More than 120 years later, Balzer and Tuck supported the building’s owner and contractor with design services, returning the interior to a layout more closely reflecting the original while upgrading the residential and retail spaces to meet current safety standards.
Key Challenges and Solutions
- Attractive layouts were restored for the 28 rental units, each with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Saratoga’s historic Broadway neighborhood and many featuring private outdoor balconies. Upper floors were preserved for exclusive penthouse residences featuring rooftop decks and lofts.
- The interior rehabilitation included the retention of the historic woodwork, such as the guardrails of the four-story atrium, as well as the removal or reconfiguration of later insertions such as ill-fitting kitchens and dropped ceilings.
- The original conceptual experience of the building’s dramatic atrium was returned by removing a later-added elevator and refinishing each Romanesque detail.
- All work was done in strict conformance with the National Parks Service’s and State Historic Preservation Office’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Structures for inclusion within their rehabilitation tax credit program.
Related Projects
