Delaware North Companies has begun a $1.8 million renovation of the Gideon Putnam Resort, including the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, at Saratoga Spa State Park. The renovations are part of a planned 20-year, $18 million investment program that will include improvements to the hotel's guest accommodations, lobby, corridors and dining room, as well as the storied mineral baths and spa.
Delaware North's parks and resorts subsidiary manages the property on behalf of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
"The hotel was constructed in the 1930s and is now included as a member of the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The historic significance and the importance of creating the ultimate guest experience were both carefully considered in the renovation plan," said Tim Smith, general manager of Gideon Putnam Resort.
Delaware North has partnered on the project with Buffalo-based architectural firm Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects (HHL), interior designers Roche & Co. and M/E Engineers. The first phase of renovations and improvements to Gideon Putnam is expected to be completed by mid-April.
"All renovation stages will be completed with minimal disruption to guests and visitors at the resort," Smith said.
The lobby will be enhanced with the restoration of marble floors, the addition of color themes, new custom period rugs and furniture. The gift shop will be moved back to its original location in the lobby, and south-facing glass French doors will be restored.
"The concept behind the lobby renovation is to make this active space welcoming and comfortable so guests can gather to relax and chat or simply utilize it as a meeting space for large groups," said Matthew Meier, the partner at HHL Architects in charge of the project.
In addition, to highlight the importance of the performing arts, mineral springs, historic park and other treasures that tell the Gideon Putnam and Saratoga Springs story, a series of carved panels will be installed in a prominent location seen from the lobby.
In addition to structural changes, guests will be greeted with new bed linens and blankets in all 120 rooms, Smith said. The historic Georgian Dining room will also be upgraded with the addition of a new walnut bar, creating a more relaxed "lobby bar" setting for diners.
As part of the project, the Roosevelt Baths & Spa at Gideon Putnam will be refreshed and renovated to provide a modern spa experience for guests while also staying true to its storied past as protector of the historic mineral springs located there.
The spa's entrance will be refreshed with the addition of large plants, bright colors and natural lighting to create a calm, greenhouse-like space. A transition "relaxation" room will be added as a place for guests to wait for treatments, relax following a treatment, or wait for other guests throughout the day. Meier said the feel for the transition room will be supplied by a fireplace, lounge chairs and central waterfall.
"All of this is grown directly out of the healing and rejuvenating powers of the water that have so long been the central focus at the Roosevelt Baths," said Meier.  "The waterfall will bring the expression of water and fluidity to the room to enhance the guest experience."
Delaware North's long-term commitment will include multiple building repair and system upgrade phases, including new and restored windows, that will be historically appropriate and eco-friendly, Smith said.The Gideon Putnam Resort, Saratoga Springs Tags: