Saratoga's Wesley starts expansion fundraising

PHOTOGRAPHER: Photo Provided

An undated aerial image of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community senior living complex on Wednesday announced a $5 million fundraising campaign to support a planned expansion.

The “Campaign for Springs” seeks to raise the money toward a $20 million project that will help the non-profit senior care provider renovate and add 19,500 square feet to The Springs, one of the main long-term care buildings in the 37-acre complex off Lawrence Street. Many rooms and the dining area are also going to be renovated.

The renovation is part of a 10-year expansion plan that received zoning approval from the Saratoga Springs City Council last week.

“This project will allow us to better serve aging adults who need our services,” said Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Communities. “The generous philanthropic support of businesses, organizations and individuals in our community will allow The Wesley Community to continue to evolve and bring high-quality care to our families and friends for generations to come.”

The Wesley has raised $3.2 million toward the campaign to date, including a $500,000 donation from the Dake family and Stewart’s Shops; $500,000 from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust; and $250,000 from the Adirondack Trust Company.

The campaign has also received $100,000 donations from Angerame Architects, The Hedbring Foundation/Fort Miller Group, Marshall and Sterling Insurance; Raymond Martin; Elliott and Cathy Masie; Ruth Pouilet; and John and A.C. Riley.

The current capital campaign is only for the renovations of the Springs building, but later stages of the 10-year project will include creating 100 new senior housing units and a 50-unit memory care section for people with dementia.

Pending city Planning Board site plan approvals, work on the initial stages of the project is expected to start in late 2020.

People may make a donation to support the campaign at campaignforsprings.org or by emailing the Wesley Foundation at [email protected] or by calling 518-691-1420.