Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Project improves accessibility for people with disabilities

(Saratoga Springs, NY) – The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced the successful completion of a façade restoration project at the Lincoln Bathhouse on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The $472,038 restoration enhanced accessibility and preserved historical features.

"Saratoga Spa State Park's Lincoln Bathhouse is a distinctive landmark at the gateway to the city of Saratoga Springs," State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. "We are proud of the work to make the building more accessible to all visitors while honoring the park's historic and aesthetic legacy."

Most notably for accessibility, the project replaced a non-functional accessibility ramp with a modern and comfortable one that fits the bathhouse's design. The terra cotta state seal that graces the front of the entrance has been restored to its original condition. The backlit lettering directly below the seal which has not been working in decades was repaired and modernized. Additionally, the building's stucco had been repaired and repainted: the door hardware was upgraded and repairs to decorative metal railings and stone made.

Originally constructed in 1930, the building was built in the Beaux Arts Neoclassical style. Currently the Lincoln Bathhouse hosts the Saratoga Children's Museum, the State Park Police, and the New York State Court of Claims. It is also set to become the future main office of Saratoga Spa State Park.

The project's restoration design was by Daniel Neary, an architect with the Capital Division of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, while the contracting work was executed by A. J. Catalfamo Construction, Inc. based in Hudson Falls, New York.

Project Manager Neary expressed his excitement for the return of the original backlighting behind the lettering in the terra cotta entablature above the entrance portico. He shared, "By day these letters still appear as dark cutouts, but now, with a combination of the new LED backlights and exterior floodlights, when the sun goes down the building's name shimmers golden below the New York State Seal." The restored lighting can be seen from South Broadway nightly.

This restoration project is part of a statewide effort to revitalize and enhance the State Parks flagship sites during the centennial celebration of the founding of New York States Park System. Saratoga Spa State Park is one of the State's flagship parks with a yearly attendance of around 3.5 million visitors. The park offers a variety of recreational options including a golf course, extensive hiking/biking trails, an automobile museum, concerts and natural spring baths. Please visit: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa for more information.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Joins us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.

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