Showcase of Homes set for Saratoga Springs

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marcy Velte

A record number of homes and condominiums will be featured in this year’s Showcase of Homes tour presented by the Saratoga Builders Association.

Sixteen award-winning builders will present their work at the event, which spans the next three weekends.

The public will have the opportunity to view 16 homes and three condominiums newly built throughout Saratoga County by Capital Region builders. The event is in its 16th year, though last year marked the annual event’s return after it was skipped in 2009 due to a slow housing market and the recession.

Barry Potoker, executive director of the Saratoga Builders Association, said the group is proud to have so many entries.

“I think there are so many homes this year because the builders want to show what they can do,” he said. “The economy has not been good for real estate and construction over the past few years, and now it’s starting to come back. They want to help show that things are moving in a positive direction.”

Potoker said all of the homes are worth a look, but noted “there was a $2 million-plus home built in Stillwater. I’ll just leave it at that.”

All of the homes were built within the last year. Some have already been purchased, while others are still on the market to be viewed by potential buyers.

This year’s showcase will also include two evenings of “Saratoga Style” chef events.

The Southern Chef Home Tour on Friday will feature food from local eateries Maestros, Lake Ridge Restaurant, Fortunes Restaurant, Sperry’s, Fifty South Restaurant and Bar and The Vista Restaurant. A week later, on Friday, Sept. 23, the Northern Chef Home Tour will feature food from Jacob & Anthony’s American Grill, Chianti El Ristorante, Yono’s, Café Capriccio, Village Pizzeria, and 28 Tables Restaurant and Bar.

A $35 ticket allows visitors to attend both chef evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. and includes a Showcase of Homes ticket.

“It’s a chance for people, for a small amount of money, to tour these homes, to get ideas for their renovations and home designs,” said Potoker. “Plus, if they are looking for a new home they can meet the builders. It’s great thing to do on a fall day.”

All proceeds from the event will be given to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat of Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. Potoker said about $50,000 is given to the event’s selected charities each year, and more than $650,000 has been given to local charities since the showcase began in 1994.

Regular tickets are $20 per person and are good for all three weekends, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17, 18, 24 and 25 and Oct. 1 and 2.

For more information on the homes, including a map, visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.