The Spa ComplexSaratoga Springs, NY – On Sunday, August 30, Executive Director Samantha Bosshart leads the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s newest walking tour “Breezing Through Saratoga: R. Newton Brezee Homes.” She will highlight the houses designed by prominent local architect R. Newton Brezee on the East Side of Saratoga Springs.

Beginning his career as a carpenter in Saratoga Springs in the early 1870s, Brezee moved to Long Island where he worked as an apprentice under A. T. Stewart’s architect, Edward D. Harris. Not long after his return to Saratoga Springs in 1884, he became an architect and building superintendent. Brezee’s popularity increased rapidly – with him designing and overseeing the construction of nearly 50 buildings in the area. This new walking tour will include a selection of his work as well as his impact on Saratoga Springs' architecture. The tour meets at the SW corner of Regent & Caroline streets.  

On Sunday, September 6, Linda Harvey will lead “The Spa Complex” stroll in Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark. In partnership with the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park, Linda will share the history of the complex, which was developed with the goal of increasing both therapeutic and recreational use of the park. The tour will also cover the prolific period from 1932-1936 when the Hall of Springs, Simon Baruch Administration and Research Center, the Roosevelt Bath Houses, Victoria Pool, the Gideon Putnam Hotel, and a bottling plant were all constructed. This tour meets outside of the Administration Building, 19 Roosevelt Drive.

All Sunday morning tours begin at 10:30AM, last approximately 90 minutes, and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to thirty participants and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information on Sunday Strolls or to purchase tickets, call (518) 587-5030, visit our website, saratogapreservation.org, or email Dianne Winter, Development Director, at dwinter@saratogapreservation.org.

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

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Photo: The Spa Complex