Gideon Putnam closure extended again

PHOTOGRAPHER: File Photo

The Gideon Putnam, seen in the background, should reopen on May 1.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The reopening of the Gideon Putnam hotel in Saratoga Spa State Park has been delayed for a third time.

The hotel had no working boilers, gas service, electricity or phones following a water main break that filled the hotel’s basement on Jan. 15.

City officials said the water line rupture was caused by frigid temperatures.

Glen White, a spokesman for Buffalo-based Delaware North, a hospitality company that operates the hotel resort for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said the hotel is hoping to reopen on May 1.

“We are continuing the work to restore The Gideon Putnam’s utility infrastructure – including gas and boilers, electrical, information technology and phone systems – that was damaged in the Jan. 15 basement flooding,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are now targeting the hotel to reopen May 1 and are continuing to work to move and reschedule guest and group reservations for stays until then.”

White said 40 events have been canceled or rescheduled due to the closure.

When the water main break first occurred, White initially said the hotel would remain closed until at least Feb. 15.

Last month, the company issued a statement saying the hotel would remain closed until at least March 15.

White said while the Gideon Putnam remains closed, Delaware North has taken the opportunity to undergo a planned renovation of the hotel’s 124 guest rooms including painting and installing new carpeting, though the renovations are not a factor in the extended closure, White said.