Saratoga Living's 2025 Design Issue

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THE 2025 DES IGN ISSUE

MICHAEL PHINNEY’S GREEN DREAMS

Murray

NATALIE MOORE

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Discover

Twin Homes at Forest Grove

New Homes from the mid-$500s

Looking for maintenance-free living, but don’t want to sacrifice on aesthetics? Check out Belmonte’s Twin Homes at Forest Grove. Conveniently located in Saratoga Springs, these premium twin homes feature Craftsman-style elevations and offer the perfect balance of convenience and comfort. Plus each twin home enjoys open concept living with windows on three sides and a two-car garage.

Living in Forest Grove offers lots of perks including access to a breadth of amazing amenities including a community center with a working kitchen and fitness center, an outdoor pool and pavilion, pickleball courts, and 7+miles of walking trails.

• 58 Twin Homes in Phase I

• All premium end units with windows on 3 sides

• Variety of floor plans (including ranch & primary down)

Visit our award-winning model home/sales center: 2 Daintree Drive, Saratoga Springs NY Open 12 pm - 3 pm, Tuesday - Saturday

• Maintenance free lots

• Starting in the mid-$500s

For more info, contact Sharon Byrne: 518-527-4914 | sharon@belmontebuilders.com www.belmontebuilders.com

Great Location

• Minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs

• Saratoga Springs address, Wilton taxes

• Saratoga Central Schools

Amazing Amenities

• 5,000 sq.ft. furnished community center with a large event space and full kitchen

• Well-equipped fitness room

• Large outdoor pool

• Outdoor event space with pavillion

• Pickleball courts

• Dog Park

Learn more about Belmonte Builders, our communities & floor plans at www.BelmonteBuilders.com

starting gate

contents | SPRING 2025 THE 2025

story arc After years of sharing her family’s story and amassing a huge following on Instagram, Darien Rozell is taking the Pantry Hill brand to the next level with a YouTube show, signature tea blend, and a barn studio.

by

photography

DORI FITZPATRICK

32 This Is The Life

Darien Rozell has channeled her dedication to carrying on her family’s traditions into a lifestyle brand named after her Greenfield home: Pantry Hill. BY NATALIE MOORE

39 Becoming Barbara

Today, Barbara Tfank is a celebrated fashion designer who’s dressed Michelle Obama and Adele. But once upon a time, she was a typical student at Skidmore College.

BY SARAH CARPENTER

42 Bringing The Heat

Kos, New York State’s first floating sauna, is coming to Saratoga Lake. BY NATALLI AMATO

44 Then, Now, Next

Hacker Boat Company is leaning on its illustrious past to propel the iconic boat brand into the future. BY SIMON MURRAY

48 Color Correction

How Capital Region designer Mehnaz Khan uses the power of color to influence her clients’ moods, emotions, and overall wellness.

BY SARAH CARPENTER

52 Game On

Rushdown Studios readies to take over the video game world from its downtown Saratoga HQ.

BY NATALLI AMATO

54 Green Dreams

Three decades after green building practices started picking up steam in the US, Phinney Design Group is still setting the sustainability standard in New York State. BY SARA FOSS

Create Where You Belong

starting gate

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saratoga living

8 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.294.4390

Volume 27, No. 2

Spring 2025

Copyright © 2025

Empire Media Network, Inc.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from Empire Media Network, Inc.

All editorial queries should be directed to editorial@saratogaliving.com or sent to 8 Butler Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

saratoga living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions.

Natalie Moore EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates

DESIGNER Linda Gates

SENIOR WRITER Cierra Orlyk

SPORTS EDITOR Brien Bouyea

EDITOR AT LARGE Susan Gates

EDITORIAL INTERN Morgan Maschewski

WRITERS

Vanessa Geneva Ahern, Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella

Maria McBride Bucciferro, Chris Carola, Sarah Carpenter

Jeff Dingler, Sara Foss, Teresa Genaro, Tiina Loite

Simon Murray, Tom Pedulla, Kathleen Willcox

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Morgan Campbell, Francesco D’Amico, Samantha Decker

Dori Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Haynes, G. Sonny Hughes, Hannah Kuznia

Shawn LaChapelle, Rachel Lanzi, Jess McNavich, Megan Mumford

Konrad Odhiambo, Fiona Stevens, Ethan Thompson, Alex Zhang

Annette Quarrier

DIRECTOR OF SALES

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante

PUBLISHER, CAPITAL REGION LIVING Teresa Frazer

SALES MANAGERS Tara Buffa, Samantha Reilly

SALES ASSISTANT Tracy Momrow

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Rachael Rieck

Anthony R. Ianniello, Esq.

CHAIRMAN

Tina Galante

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

ON THE COVER Darien Rozell photographed by Dori Fitzpatrick. Shot on location at Pantry Hill in Greenfield, NY.

from the editor

The Melting Pot

on the scene (from top) saratoga living Editor

Natalie Moore with cover subject Darien Rozell; with matchmaker Gabi Acierno of Saratoga Sweethearts at a Single in Saratoga speed dating event at Saratoga City Tavern; with the Saratoga Living Insiders Club, including the Friends of SPAC’s Katie Caporta (at left), at Saratoga’s new dessert bar, Bibulous.

Three years ago, at a networking event at Lucy’s Bar, I met my now-friend Kate VanHerp, who’d recently moved to Saratoga after eight years in New York City (and who is singlehandedly making go-go boots cool again). Ever since then, I haven’t stopped meeting interesting people with great taste who “just moved here” Katie Caporta and Grant and Mallory Willsea, who’ve taken charge of introducing the next generation of arts-lovers to SPAC; Gabi Acierno, who’s helping locals find love off the dating apps with her new matchmaking company; Alex Ashley, who’s doubling down on service to others since making his way upstate; and the list goes on. Covid certainly kicked off the mass arrival, but it appears, at least anecdotally, that it’s far from over.

With them, these newcomers have brought ideas that are changing the game in Saratoga, especially when it comes to the world of design. Turn to page 23 to meet the Colombiaborn interior designer hoping to bring world-class hospitality design to the Spa City, page 52 for a look at the floating sauna three Norwegians are introducing to Saratoga Lake later this year, and page 68 for a preview of Standard Fare, two Manhattan transplants’ latest local culinary endeavor that will pair high-quality food with next-level vibes. And who could leave cover subject Darien Rozell out of the conversation? In 2016, the Saratoga native brought all she’d learned from seven years in the national publishing world back to her hometown, and is channeling it into a lifestyle brand that celebrates her family’s roots in Saratoga County by way of photos and videos of the gorgeous home she designed. Read all about it on page 32.

All this isn’t to say that there’s not top-notch design talent that’s been here in upstate New York all along. Take one look at the homes designed by Lake George native Michael Phinney of Phinney Design Group (page 54) or the cabinets built by Schroon Lake native Justin Steinberger (page 64), and you’ll know that’s certainly not the case. In other words, it doesn’t matter how you got to Saratoga—whether you were born and raised here, left and came back, or are just now discovering this vibrant little Upstate city. All that matters is that you’re here now.

NATALIE MOORE EDITOR @natalie_rae_moore / editorial@saratogaliving.com

Venue:

Photo: Gore Mountain

Trust the Process

Saratoga’s Interior Designs Atelier team breaks down their signature process, which ensures that clients’ expectations are met every step of the way, from initial consultation to final procurement.

The story of Interior Designs Atelier is one every business owner dreams of. One client takes a chance on you, and they’re thoroughly impressed, so they tell their friends and family about you. Those friends and family reach out, and before long they’re clients, too. Then the friends and family of those friends and family reach out— get the cycle? Before Linda Gerace-Skinner knew it, her firm was booming, with 90 percent of its business coming from referrals.

The key to the design firm’s strong reputation and success?

Paying attention to what works and solidifying it in a step-by-step plan that can be repeated, over and over, for each client. At the firm, it’s called their signature process

“Our signature process ensures that our clients’ needs and desires are heard and implemented at every stage, from initial consultation to final procurement,” says Gerace-Skinner. “This results in a cohesive design that truly reflects our clients’ image and lifestyle, setting us apart from the competition.” For clients, the process looks like this:

COLLABORATIVE CONSULTATION

• The team arrives on site for a consultation, and they talk to you about your lifestyle, aspirations, and design vision. Based on your feedback, they define a project scope, establish timelines, and outline a tailored investment strategy that aligns with your specific requirements. After this initial meeting, you will receive a comprehensive scope of services detailing the firm’s offerings, an estimated design fee including interior furnishings, and projected material costs for renovations or new constructions.

DESIGN CONCEPT

• Enter: the details. During a planning meeting, you’ll dive deeper into your style preferences, daily routine, and aesthetic goals. The designers will review your feedback, inspiration images, and any existing architectural plans and drawings. In addition, for renovations and new builds, you’ll select finishes such as tile, cabinetry, countertops, and lighting; for largescale interior furnishing projects, you’ll jump straight into floor plans and furniture selections.

PRESENTATION & PLAN

• This is the last step before planning turns to action. The team will walk you through your distinctive design plan and provide you with iterative drawings and material samples so you can clearly visualize the game plan.

PR OJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION

every aspect of the process from start to finish, including procuring and receiving materials, scheduling trades, monitoring timelines and budgets, and managing all progress and communication while collaborating with your existing architects and construction team.

INSTALLMENT

• The team arrives on site, ready to complete your design vision with care and precision. Everything from furniture and art to cherished heirlooms is placed with meticulous attention to detail. Final touches are made with your day-to-day functionality in mind. Ultimately, you’re presented with a space that has heart and hospitality, and will serve as your oasis for years to come.

The process works for a reason—it’s built on Gerace-Skinner’s lived experiences and successes throughout three decades in the industry. In 2009, she was accredited as an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); in 2014, ASID honored her with first place for her commercial interior design at Saratoga’s acclaimed restaurant, 15 Church; and by 2020, when she decided to open her own firm, she had a portfolio spanning the United States.

Despite opening within the last few years, Interior Designs Atelier has rapidly grown. In 2024, business doubled, and it’s on track to do so yet again in 2025. To reflect the growth and evolution of the company, the firm recently redesigned its website.

“The updated website now reflects our position as leaders in luxury design in upstate New York, showcasing our exceptional bespoke designs and our commitment to providing a level of service that is increasingly rare,” says Diane Meyer, senior interior designer at the firm.

• Now, the project comes to life. The design team will coordinate

With a delicate balance between elegance and utility, the website represents the company’s approach to each project it undertakes. GeraceSkinner’s only advice? If you’re considering bringing an interior design team on board for a new-build project, do it sooner rather than later.

“When we’re involved from the project’s conception, we can optimize space utilization and ensure a cohesive design that flows seamlessly from interior to exterior, maximizing both functionality and aesthetics,” says the principal designer.

But you don't need to tell Interior Designs Atelier's growing list of clients twice—they’re eager to bring the firm onto their project from start to finish. And with the team’s timeless designs and genuine care for their clients, it’s easy to see why. ■

Linda Gerace-Skinner

Granite & Marble Works, Inc

8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton | 518.584.2800 | graniteandmarbleworks.com

This spring, transform your kitchen or bathroom with new countertops from Granite & Marble Works. The 45,000-square-foot showroom in Wilton has the area’s largest selection of quartz and natural stone countertops, boasting more than 2,500 slabs in more than 250 colors of granite, marble, onyx, soapstone, and more. Founded in 2003, Granite & Marble Works is a family-owned business that prides itself on skilled craftsmanship, first-quality materials, and superior customer service. Schedule a showroom tour today to see your vision for your home come to life.

Love It Designs

Saratoga Springs | 518.920.3153 | brand.page/loveitdesigns

Need some help getting your home ready for spring? Love It Designs should be your first call. Owner Ann Murphy specializes in home staging, seasonal décor, and interior design, and has made it her mission to give her clients a high-end look without them having to break the bank. Whether you’re a renter who wants to wow at your next holiday party, a homeowner looking for a total interior redesign, or a businessowner hoping to better display your merchandise to increase sales, Murphy—a certified home stager who’s currently studying interior design at the New York Institute of Art and Design— can help. “I named the business Love It Designs because every time a project comes out well, my client says ‘love it,’” Murphy says. “The client’s happiness is my top priority.”

Murphy is also now a part-owner in PaperDolls of Saratoga, a stationery and design store located in the Saratoga Marketplace on Broadway. Stop by to shop a selection of her hand-picked, equestrian-inspired home décor items!

Hot Water Solutions Opens Saratoga Office

The

For the last 30 years, Hot Water Solutions has been serving the homeowners of Kingston and the Hudson Valley region with top-notch HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. The veteran-founded, family-owned and -operated company has gained a reputation for its wide range of services, transparent pricing, and, above all, friendly customer service. (Don’t believe us? Browse their nearly 500 fivestar reviews on Google, then report back.)

“Hot Water Solutions treats each customer as another member of the extended family,” says owner Matt LeFevre. “We strive to make every client’s needs seen and heard, with home comfort being the ultimate goal in the ‘business transaction.’”

Sound like a company you’d like to do business with? Well, you’re in luck. When Matt took over the business from his father, founder Steve LeFevre, he vowed to honor HWS’ deep-seated values of personable and transparent service while simultaneously growing the business. And grow the business he has—after years of building roots in the

Kingston area, the company just expanded to Saratoga Springs to serve homeowners in the Capital Region.

While HWS’ complete range of plumbing and electrical services aren’t available in the Spa City quite yet, the company is doubling down on heat pump consultations and installations in the area in an effort to make Capital Region homes less dependent on fossil fuels and more energy efficient. While the company prides itself on providing only top-of-the-line products and services, it’s HWS’ people that really set the company apart. When you call to book a consultation or installation, there’s a good chance that the service member who shows up at your door will have been with the company since its inception.

Want to join the family? Call 518.300.4526 to book a consultation, and be ready to have a team that’s eager to ensure your needs are met, both now and in the future. “Our team believes in building lasting relationships with clients,” Matt says, “from the initial phone call to preventative maintenance and beyond.”

Maxwell Tyler Interiors

450 East High Street, Ballston Spa | 518.812.7247 | maxwelltyler.com

“A well-designed home isn’t just about furniture and finishes— it’s about how every element interacts. From architectural details to fabric choices, each decision shapes a space that feels cohesive, intentional, and effortlessly inviting.”

—Maxwell Reagan

After 10 years in New York City, a year in Brazil, and time in LA, Maxwell Reagan of Maxwell Tyler Interiors is bringing his design vision to Saratoga Springs. A Queensbury native, Reagan blends different styles and influences to create spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming. He enjoys being involved early in a project, ensuring that every detail—from intricate moldings and hand-selected tile to layered textiles and statement lighting—work together seamlessly. His favorite designs reflect his clients’ personalities, incorporating oneof-a-kind pieces, custom elements, and unexpected material pairings that add depth and character.

Compliments to the Chef

33 Railroad Place, Suite 104, Saratoga Springs 518.226.4477 | saratogachef.com

Whether you’re a serious chef in search of your next favorite knife or a casual cook on the hunt for a kitchen gadget that will make weeknight dinners even easier, look no further than Compliments to the Chef, a small-but-mighty kitchenware store that’s been serving Saratoga Springs since 2002. Stop by the Railroad Place shop to pick up everyday culinary tools, have your knives sharpened, or browse the store’s impressive selection of cooking and baking innovations. Remember: Life happens in the kitchen.

Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls

1584 US 9, Fort Edward | 518.798.4228

garagedoors-glensfalls.com

Locally owned and operated since 1978, The Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls is your go-to source for residential and commercial garage door installation and repair services in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, and Hamilton counties. Choose from a variety of garage doors to suit any style or need. The Overhead Door Company honors all manufacturer warranties on installations, and provides a one-year labor warranty on its work. Call today for a free estimate.

Renew, Reuse, ReStore

Looking to change up your home’s interior décor this spring? Skip the Amazon order and keep your dollars local by shopping at Southern Adirondack ReStore, where all proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

ReStore carries a wide range of new and lightly used items—everything from furniture and lighting to jewelry and artwork. Whether you’re shopping for your own home, an Airbnb, a dorm room, or for a gift for a loved one, ReStore is a must-visit.

“Our store is as unique and diverse as our donors, covering a wide variety of items to fit every style and budget,” says Manager Teri Tibbetts. “With our new products, you are able to purchase items sold in stores today at reduced prices.” In addition to donations from community members, including decorators, home stagers, contractors and homeowners, ReStore is also able to purchase new items from major retailers and sell them at greatly reduced prices.

The best part about shopping at ReStore—apart from all the unique pieces you’ll find when you stop by to browse the Fort Edward shop—is that your purchase will help support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes and revitalize neighborhoods in our community. “ReStore is an incredible asset to our community,” Tibbetts says. “There is a great need for affordable housing and every sale supports in filling that need.”

Looking to do more for the cause? In addition to shopping at ReStore, you can also donate your own new or lightly used items (see a full list of accepted donations at glensfallshabitat. org/restore), or volunteer to help out around the store. Your contribution will not only help the local community, but it will also ensure that usable items stay out of landfills, making our region— and the world—a better, cleaner place to live.

What are you waiting for? Head to the Southern Adirondack ReStore, conveniently located 15 minutes from both Saratoga and Glens Falls, Tuesday–Saturday to start making a difference today.

5 Design Trends Conklin Architecture Can Bring to Your Saratoga Home

If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter house, Kevin Conklin isn’t your guy. With a deep understanding of upstate New York’s unique landscape, the owner of Conklin Architecture is known for designing custom homes and commercial buildings that intertwine modernity with the natural beauty of the region.

Throughout his decades of experience, Conklin has seen design trends come and go. Some, however, stick around, earning consistent requests from clients year after year. Here are the top five timeless trends the principal architect has encountered over the years, and how his team helps bring each to life.

MAXIMIZED NATURAL LIGHT

• When a client expresses their desire for natural light, the Conklin Architecture team carefully designs window placements, performs solar tracking studies when needed, and incorporates skylights to flood spaces with natural light while maintaining privacy

OPEN-PLAN LIVING

• The firm achieves this by creating flowing, multi-functional spaces while maintaining distinct zones for different activities.

CONCRETE FLOORS

• By working with trusted local contractors, Conklin Architecture implements polished concrete floors that offer durability, thermal mass benefits, and modern aesthetic appeal.

BIG WINDOWS

• A request for big windows prompts the team to utilize thoughtful positioning while considering views, solar orientation, privacy, and energy efficiency.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS

• To reduce environmental impact and operating costs, the firm incorporates passive solar design principles, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient systems.

Being aware of design trends is one thing, but executing them effectively is a talent not all firms have. Conklin Architecture’s

commitment to its clients’ wishes, meticulous attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of local building and zoning ordinances have earned it a strong reputation and long list of satisfied clients. Conklin is grateful for each opportunity that comes his way.

“It’s amazing, having the opportunity to design custom homes for clients in the picturesque landscape that we have the luxury to call our backyard,” says Conklin. “Ultimately, our goal at Conklin Architecture is to be a partner and steward to clients and deliver homes that capture each individual lifestyle and landscape.” ■

Allerdice Ace Hardware and Building Supply

41 Walworth Street, Saratoga Springs allerdice.com | @allerdiceacehardware

 518.584.5533

Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls

31584 US 9, Fort Edward garagedoors-glensfalls.com

 518.798.4228

Best Tile Saratoga

4295 Route 50, Saratoga Springs besttile.com | @besttile.com

 besttilesaratoga@besttile.com

 518.584.5941

Granite & Marble Works, Inc

8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton graniteandmarbleworks.com

 stonetops518@gmail.com

 518.584.2800

Hinman Construction

Birchton Road, Ballston Spa hinmanconstruction.com

 hinmanconstruction@gmail.com

 518.885.1835

Marcella’s Appliance Center

15 Park Avenue, Shopper’s World Plaza, Clifton Park marcellasappliance.com/locations/park

 518.952.7700

California Closets

952 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham californiaclosets.com/albany @californiaclosetsupstateny

 518.785.5723

Interior Designs Atelier

3 Franklin Square, Suite 6, Saratoga Springs interiordesignsatelier.com @interiordesignsatelier

 518.886.1204

Love It Designs

Saratoga Springs brand.page/loveitdesigns @loveitdesigns2024

 518.920.3153

High Peaks Tree Removal

Queensbury highpeakstreeremoval.com

 highpeakstreeremoval@gmail.com

 518.668.9601

Hot Water Solutions, Inc

63 Putnam Street, Suite 202, Saratoga Springs albanyhws.com

 518.300.4526

Mr. Electric of Queensbury

94 Big Boom Road, Queensbury mrelectric.com/queensbury

 518.920.6279

first turn

CHIC PEEK

Horse Town Hospitality

BALLSTON SPA–BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER MAPA MUELLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN OF THE MANCHESTER, LEXINGTON’S FIRST HIGH-END HOTEL. NOW, SHE HAS HER SIGHTS SET ON ANOTHER HORSE RACING CAPITAL A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME. n BY NATALIE MOORE

Mapa Mueller knows that interior design has never mattered as much as it does today, especially when it comes to the world of hospitality. “Hospitality used to be more about reliable service and less about looks,” says the Ballston Spa resident. “But now people pay for that unique, boutique experience. A great design makes a strong first impression, keeps people comfortable, and creates those moments that stick with them—and end up all over social media.”

Mueller also just so happens to know what great design is. A native of Colombia, she moved to New York City after college to get her Master of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute. She

manchester united Mapa Mueller; (above) the design of The Manchester celebrates the dichotomy between Lexington's distilling industry and equestrian roots.

lived in the City for nine years, working on high-profile NYC hospitality projects including the restaurant Passerine and The Equinox Hotel, as well

as the Fairmont Hotel, which is slated to open in New Orleans this summer, and The Manchester, the Lexington, KY hotel pictured here. She relocated to Saratoga County to be closer to her husband’s family in 2022, and in 2023, one month after the birth of her first child, quit her full-time job to start her own interior design studio.

Mueller’s currently working on a 28-key hotel in Ocean Grove, NJ; an 80-key hotel, restaurant, and rooftop bar in Puerto Rico; and a 34-key boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan. But she’s itching to break into the Spa City design market.

“Saratoga has so much hospitality design potential,” she says. “The city’s racing tradition draws thousands

of visitors each summer, and, from my experience, this is the kind of visitor that often expects immersive, experiential environments and unforgettable guest experiences—something that thoughtful interior design can deliver. Beyond that, Saratoga has architectural charm, SPAC, the mineral springs, and a rich history as a wellness and horse racing destination. For someone like me who values creating strong narratives in interior design, Saratoga offers countless untapped stories to draw from.”

All that needs to happen? Someone to tap into Mueller’s keen eye for design to bring Saratoga’s hospitality scene to the next level. And it’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when.

first turn

TRACK FACT

bug off Jose Gomez, the 2022 winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, became a journeyman in 2023.

PITCH IN

Hey, Driver

The most common barrier standing between people with cancer and lifesaving treatment is a ride to get there. If that seems unjust and unfair, that’s because it is. With a lack of available and affordable transportation options, patients are often forced to cancel treatments and appointments. To help combat this issue, the American Cancer Society has created the Road To Recovery program, which provides free rides to treatment for cancer patients.

The Apprentice

Ever wonder how the jockeys at Saratoga Race Course became jockeys? Well, they started off as apprentice jockeys, commonly known as “bug boys.” The term bug boy originates from Daily Racing Form, which denotes apprentice jockeys in its entries and charts with an asterisk that kind of looks like a bug. Bug boys receive a weight allowance while riding, meaning that their horses are required to carry less weight than those being ridden by full-fledged jockeys, or “journeymen.” At Saratoga and the other New York tracks, bug riders receive a 10-pound break in the weights until they’ve won five races, then a seven-pound break until they’ve won an additional 35 races, at which point their allowance drops to five pounds. Eventually, they “lose their bug”—and their allowance—and are considered journeymen.

—BRIEN

BOUYEA

The efficacy of the program relies on volunteers. “We’ve seen more people calling for rides than we are able to fulfill right now,” says Elizabeth Hunter, the American Cancer Society of the Capital Region’s director of development. “The more drivers we can recruit, the more patients we can support. The volunteer commitment is pretty low—two rides a month—so it’s something you can work around your schedule pretty easily.”

Ready to make a difference? Visit cancer.org/drive or call 1.800.227.2345 to learn more about Road To Recovery volunteer opportunities.

—CIERRA ORLYK

WORTH THE WAIT

Ripe for the Making

Is your inner creative genius thwarted by a lack of space and resources? Well, get ready to let it run wild: The Innovation Center at Saratoga has finally found a home in Malta and, per its website, is scheduled to open this spring. Billed as a collaborative makerspace for creatives and entrepreneurs, The Innovation Center—a project that launched pre-Covid and is now coming to fruition—will allow you to share equipment (everything from a 3D printer and table saw to a sewing machine and kiln); rent an art, recording, or music studio; collaborate with others in a community setting; prototype a new product; and take classes (on everything from woodworking to giving a presentation). A variety of memberships will be available, as will $35 day passes. Learn more at innovationcentersaratoga.org

on the road To volunteer for ACS’ Road to Recovery program, you must be between the ages of 18 and 84, have a valid driver’s license, pass a background check, and have access to a safe, reliable car.

If you wear glasses, you know the struggle of searching amongst uninspiring options for frames that match your personality while an optician pressures you to make a decision.

But what if the process was different? What if it was—dare we say—fun?

Enter Frameology Optical, a shop that recently opened at 426 Maple Avenue.

Upon arriving, you’ll find walls lined with a curated selection of unique frames

optical inclusion At Frameology Optical, glasses are more than a necessity—they’re an accessory; (left) Frameology co-owner Amanda

from small, independent designers. But there’s a catch: Once a frame is sold, it’s gone.

“You don’t want to see someone else wearing the pair of glasses that you chose, instinctively, as yours,” says Frameology co-owner Amanda Twohig.

“If you love a frame, jump on it—or it might become someone else’s.”

The Saratoga store is Frameology’s third location (the other two are near Syracuse), but Twohig says it already feels like home. “There’s an incredible sense of community here,” she says. “People have walked in just to welcome me. I’m beyond grateful.”

—CIERRA ORLYK

“There’s no room for error in here.”

Chowderfest

“After three drinks I can shut myself down intellectually.”

—9 MAPLE

“That was so funny it made me sneeze.”

—PUTNAM STREET

SOURCE: ZILLOW

“I’m just coming in here for fuel.” —ESPERANTO

Twohig.

Track Changes

MORE THAN 160 YEARS AFTER SARATOGA RACE COURSE OPENED, THE STORIED TRACK IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS.

BY BRIEN BOUYEA

Saratoga Race Course has been revered for its beauty and design from the beginning. At its opening on August 2, 1864, the newspaper Spirit of the Times compared the track’s elegance to that of the legendary Ascot in England, saying John Morrissey’s venue “laid the foundation for a great and fashionable race meeting.” In describing his new racing yard, Morrissey stated it was “the most classic racecourse in this country, located among the pines, beautiful to the eye, and rejuvenating to the horse.”

More than 160 years later, Saratoga is still the most classic racecourse in this country. That fact hasn’t changed. But a whole lot else has.

1864 Saratoga Race Course opens with a mile-long track and picturesque wooden grandstand. The grandstand roof features cutouts on each end in the shape of shamrocks, a nod to Morrissey’s Irish heritage and a wish of luck to the bettors.

1865 The grandstand is lengthened to accommodate larger crowds because of the initial meeting’s success. An additional public viewing stand is constructed.

1892 The racing season opens with many new features, including the debut of the clubhouse, an updated grandstand, and the introduction of a betting ring for the track bookmakers. Boston-based architect Herbert Langford Warren leads the upgrades.

1901 Sanford Court is privately built opposite the track property to house Amsterdam carpet magnate Stephen Sandford’s talented stable of runners. Several other top stables follow by building their own facilities on or near the track grounds.

glow up An illustration of Saratoga’s new grandstand, clubhouse, and betting ring from a book published in 1892; (below) cast iron horse motifs were introduced around the track in 1937; (opposite, from top) red-and-white striped canopies were added throughout the backyard and paddock in 1977; the 1863 Club was built in 2019.

1903 A new training track and additional stables are constructed at the old Horse Haven venue across the street from Saratoga Race Course. The area eventually will come to be known as the Oklahoma Training Track.

1917 The Fasig-Tipton Co. builds a sales ring and paddock area near the Oklahoma and hosts its first Saratoga yearling sales.

1919 Property is purchased between Union and Lincoln avenues for automobile parking and a new entrance to the track is created for vehicle owners.

1928 A new clubhouse, designed by Samuel Adams Clark, replaces the 1892 structure.

1934 The betting ring is expanded.

1937 Albany architect Marcus Reynolds introduces equine-themed touches throughout the grounds, including white cast iron horse motifs.

1955 Greater New York Association (later known as NYRA) takes control of the track and bans private ownership of

barns on track property. The association builds several new barns and living quarters for backstretch workers.

1963-1965 The old field stand and 1892 betting ring are replaced by a vast grandstand expansion, led by Los Angeles firm Arthur Froelich & Associates.

1977 Horses begin to be saddled in the current paddock, and the red-and-white striped canopy design is added throughout the backyard and paddock.

1985-1991 The carousel pavilion, designed by Ewing Cole Cherry Parsky, is built on the backside of the grandstand.

1985 The picnic area is created in the backyard.

2000 Three new entrance pavilions are added along Union Avenue and Wright Street.

2019 The three-story 1863 Club, featuring climate-controlled hospitality and suites, opens on the clubhouse turn. Designed by Matt Hurff, the new facility was built at a cost of $30 million.

2022 The renovated Post Bar and secondstory Paddock Suite open. The climatecontrolled Suite’s outdoor balcony provides unique elevated views of the paddock.

Rent luxury event space for your next intimate get together, conference, or professional meeting in downtown Saratoga Springs.

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first turn

cherry picked The bar at The Car Bar is made from cherry wood left at the property by the previous owner; (right) the outhouse-inspired bathroom door; the stairs leading to the second-floor bar; (inset) the sign on a photo op on the first floor of The Car Bar. INVITE ONLY

That New Car (Bar) Smell

KIM AND LEIGH M c CONCHIE NEEDED A PLACE TO STORE THEIR CLASSIC CAR COLLECTION. SO, NATURALLY, THEY MADE THEIR NEW GARAGE INTO A BAR FOR THEIR FRIENDS.

BY SARA FOSS

Kim and Leigh McConchie acquired their first classic car—a sleek, green 1965 Ford Mustang with white racing stripes—eight years ago. Their reason for buying it was a simple one: “I always wanted a car to go get ice cream in,” Kim says.

purpose as a showroom for their vehicles and a comfy, boozy hangout for their friends. Now, the gathering spot they’ve fittingly dubbed The Car Bar is complete.

palace it is today, turning a dirty loft into a lounge/bar overlooking the nowsparkling showroom.

The McConchies expect to store 10 cars at The Car Bar, which has a swirling grey, black, white, and blue epoxy floor. The couple doesn’t collect a specific brand. “Kim likes stuff that’s different,” Leigh said. “We don’t own 68 Camaros.”

High-spirited and social people, the McConchies are known for their ubiquitous presence at Saratoga Race Course and SPAC, as well as for their philanthropic work with Saratoga Bridges, a non-profit serving people with developmental difficulties. The Car Bar reflects the couple’s love of being around people.

“I made this bar for our friends,” Kim says, pointing to features such as the “wall of shame,” on which guests can hang Polaroid photos of embarrassing moments.

Since then, the McConchies’ car collection has grown significantly, and today, they own 24 classic cars. Two years ago, the couple purchased a 4,000-square-foot commercial building in Ballston Spa that would serve a dual

For decades, a local construction company owned the building that now houses The Car Bar. When the McConchies bought it, it was filled with old equipment and other junk. But the accumulated clutter didn’t stop them from seeing what the space might become. With the help of Saratoga’s M&J Construction, they cleaned it up and transformed it into the vehicular

Other notable elements of the distinctly retro lounge space include the bar itself, built using Brazilian cherry wood recovered from a tractor-trailer left behind by the property’s previous owner, and a large mural, painted by the McConchies’ friend, artist Doug Hoch, that depicts Kim driving a blue 1966 Chevrolet panel truck, and Leigh driving a 1936 Chevy “rat rod,” a car built from a hodgepodge of parts. (See it on page 8.)

Both vehicles are actually part of the McConchies’ real-life collection, and, like their other 22 cars, are drivable. “One of us has to clean them and work on them,” Leigh says. “And one of us has to drive them around looking good.”

12 UNDER 12

BANKING ON THE FUTURE presented by

graham tracker In the last six years, Graham Boyd has transformed from a preemie in the NICU into a happy, healthy first grader.

When Graham Boyd was born in July of 2018, more than three months before his due date, he weighed 1lb 15oz. He spent the first 116 days of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Albany Med, enduring countless procedures, multiple surgeries, and many complications. For the duration of his stay, his parents, feeling helpless, did what they knew how to do: They read books to him every single day.

Six years later, Graham is now a first grader who loves every kind of vehicle, rollercoasters, and, yes, reading. Every year around his birthday, his family collects soda can tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, as well as books to put in HOPE Bags (Helping Our Preemies Excel), which are given to families who land in the NICU.

GRAHAM BOYD

AGE: 6

HOMETOWN: BALLSTON SPA

SCHOOL: GORDON CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES

This feature is part of a series in which we feature 12 young people from Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region who are making their communities a better place. Know a kid who fits the bill? Send their story to editorial@saratogaliving.com for a chance to be featured in a future issue!

“Graham doesn’t fully understand the scope of his NICU stay,” his mom, Christine, says, “but knows that he has many doctors and nurses in his life who have been in his corner cheering him on since day one.” Graham is, however, starting to understand the reasoning behind his family’s yearly book drive. “The mommies and babies are in the hospital for a long time,” he says. “They love reading books together.”

And as for the Ronald McDonald House itself? Graham knows exactly what that is. “Oh,” he says, “I love playing with the trains in the train room when we bring the books!”

THIS IS THE LIFE

By Natalie Moore

Photography by Dori Fitzpatrick

character development When Darien and Eric Rozell bought their house in Greenfield, the kitchen was very modern. Since then, they've slowly made updates that give it the character of an older home, including turning a mud room into a prep kitchen, which you can see in the background of this photo.

SINCE MOVING BACK TO THE AREA, DARIEN ROZELL

HAS CHANNELED HER DEDICATION TO CARRYING ON HER FAMILY’S TRADITIONS INTO A LIFESTYLE BRAND NAMED AFTER HER GREENFIELD HOME: PANTRY HILL. THIS YEAR, YOU’RE INVITED ALONG FOR THE RIDE.

itting at Darien Rozell’s kitchen table, drinking hot tea from an English tea set while snow falls outside and the smell of freshly baked apple cake fills the house, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect afternoon. It feels like you’re in a postcard. You don’t want to leave.

“That’s the point of Pantry Hill,” says Darien. “I want you to feel like you can stay all day.”

Pantry Hill is the name of Darien’s house in Greenfield, where she lives with her husband, Eric, and three boys—Beau, 8; Hap, 6; and Finn, 3. It’s also the name of her lifestyle brand, an ever-evolving tribute to the Rozells’ way of life. Because while Darien is indeed the creative force that transformed a 2016 spec house located 10 minutes from downtown Saratoga into a country-style home rich with character and family history, her interior decorating skills are but a small piece of the Pantry Hill puzzle. Darien isn’t just designing her dream house—she’s designing her dream life.

While big things are on the horizon for Pantry Hill in 2025 (more on that in a minute), it all started in 2016, when Darien and Eric moved from Boston back to the Saratoga area to be closer to family. “My family and Eric’s family have both been in this area for 250 years,” Darien says. “We wanted to give that rich history to our boys—that sense of place and belonging. This is where we come from.” Darien points to a specific instance that illustrates what she’s talking about: When she was building her garden, a major focal point of life at Pantry Hill, she was having trouble with her beans, so she called her grandmother, who was able to give her gardening advice that she’d learned from her grandmother. “Her grandmother lived here,” Darien says, “so she was dealing with all the same things that I’m dealing with in the garden.”

While Darien dreamed of finding a historic home to raise her family in, it was ultimately a newer house on a hill—located a mile from where her grandfather grew up—that checked all of her and Eric’s boxes, right down to the countertops, built-in bookcases, and thick molding. But Darien still craved the warmth and character of an older home. “We lived in it for three years before we did anything,” she says of the home. “I didn’t even hang a piece of wallpaper because I was like, ‘What is this place?’ We wanted the property to talk to us.”

During that time, the Rozells did start building a garden, which ultimately ended up informing some of their interior design choices: They turned what was previously a mud room into a prep kitchen where they could wash vegetables brought in from the garden, and added a window that looks out at the garden gate. The rest of the house has been somewhat of a group effort that Darien calls a “forever project.” In the main kitchen, Eric’s dad built the range hood, Eric tiled the wall, and Darien painted all of the cabinets, the doors of which were created by a neighbor.

Also during that time, Pantry Hill, the Instagram account, was born. Heeding

advice to “stay in the game” from a mentor at her former digital media job and at the encouragement of a neighbor who was inspired by the life the Rozells were building, Darien created @pantryhill to share her family’s ongoing story. Serendipitously, that was in March of 2020, when the whole world was staying home and focusing on their gardens. She told herself that if she could grow her Instagram following to 10,000 by November of that year, she’d continue to focus on it. Five years later, @pantryhill has nearly 100,000 followers.

Throughout her rise to what some would call influencer status, Darien has been very conscious of the dichotomy

between her message—which focuses on themes of family, community, tradition, intentional living, and connection to nature—and the platform on which she shares it. There’s something to be said about the very real connections that can be formed on social media, but posting heirloom family recipes to tens of thousands of strangers on an app didn’t seem to Darien like the best way to honor her family’s legacy. Instead, she started sharing them via a more intimate online newsletter, where she also promotes her in-person pie workshops.

Yes, pie workshops. “My goal was for a subset of people who connect with the story to be able to come and experience it tangibly and learn something from me that is generational,” says Darien. “It’s my

“You don’t have to have a legacy of 250 years—that legacy can start with you.”

great-grandmother’s pie crust recipe. She raised her family on Hutchins Street in Saratoga. Just to be able to share that with somebody and then to have them take that home and share that with their families is so cool to me. That was a way to make the story a little bit more real.”

At first, Darien expected the workshops to bring in mainly local people—friends of friends. But thanks to her large online following, she now has guests who travel in from out of state (Texas, even) to take her classes. And while she loves being able to invite her followers to experience Pantry Hill in person, prepping the whole house for a nine-person pie workshop turned out to be a ton of work.

“It takes five days to get this place looking like what you expect to see from my Instagram account,” she says. “You’re seeing bits and pieces of it on my Instagram, but you’re not getting out of your car and turning 360 degrees. I have three boys. They live here. I tell people when they come here, ‘Do

head for the hill (clockwise, from top left) A big part of what Darien hopes to pass on to her boys is an appreciation of nature; Pantry Hill's built-in bookshelves are part of what drew the Rozells to the home; the garden is the Rozells’ priority as a family; a pie Darien made using her great-grandmother’s crust recipe; Darien and Eric have been planning for a barn for eight years; during the warmer months, the Rozells’ kitchen is full of freshly grown fruits and veggies.

not open any cabinet door because I literally shoved things in there.’” The fact that she has to hide her family’s stuff to give her guests the “Pantry Hill experience” they expect also began to weigh on Darien. “It seems a little hypocritical because I’m posting about building this place for our family, and then you come in and I’ve shoved things into closets so it looks like we don’t live here,” she continues. So, in an effort to preserve her brand’s identity, her family’s sanity, and her own authenticity, Darien’s building a barn. OK, she herself is not building the barn, though given her wideranging skillset, that wouldn’t be all that surprising. Instead, Darien and Eric commissioned an all-local team to build a custom 2,000-squarefoot, three-story timber frame barn to house Darien’s studio (yes, there’ll be a kitchen in there for her piebaking workshops), Eric’s office (he’s a software engineer), Eric’s dad’s workshop (he’s a retired contractor who’s been commissioned by his son and daughter-in-law to work on projects around the house), and Eric’s brother’s lavender distilling operation (he and his wife own a lavender farm in Wilton). The Rozells’ neighbor, Jeremy, is the project engineer; Eric’s childhood friend is a partner in Northern Builders, the contracting company; and Tall Pine Timber Frames, a company the couple heard about through friends, is providing the lumber, which just so happens to have been sourced from the forest located behind Eric’s

childhood home. In January, when the framing for the barn went up, Darien and Eric invited their family and friends over for an old-fashioned barn-raising party, complete with pulled pork, mac and cheese, and hot apple pie. When complete, the barn will not only ease the burden of maintaining a spotless house with three young boys, but it will also give Darien more space for future creative endeavors—two of which are already in the works.

First up: Afternoon Tea, a YouTube show produced by Bright Sighted Media that was inspired by Darien’s daily ritual of sitting down with a cup of tea to catch up with friends and family. It’s a tradition she grew up practicing with her mom and grandma, and that she has since passed on to her boys.

“We want the show to feel the same as casually catching up with a friend over tea,” Darien says. “It’s going to pull the curtain back a bit on Pantry Hill,

and provide a more candid look at how we’re tapping into the knowledge and skills of our ancestors, family, friends, and community as we continue to create home.” On the show, Darien plans to cover seasonal celebrations, family traditions, cooking, gardening, and decorating, as well as deeper conversations about the hows and whys of what they’re building. Oh, and the general chaos of life with young kids. “Instagram is my business, so there is a veil over that,” Darien continues. “What I’m hoping to do with this show is to give a little bit more insight into the relatability of it all. No, I don’t wear a dress in my garden. I’m literally out there in my sweatpants. It doesn’t look pretty, but that’s how we’re getting all of those things done.” Afternoon Tea is scheduled to launch in May.

Also coming this spring is a literal afternoon tea—one Darien is producing in partnership with Saratoga

Tea & Honey (though, yes, you can certainly drink it in the morning). Darien describes the Pantry Hill Blend as “a cozy cup of home with notes of maple, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, best served with maple syrup and milk.”

With the launch of the tea, Darien is heralding in a new era of Pantry Hill, albeit very slowly and thoughtfully. In the last five years, she’s largely refrained from monetizing her Instagram account, despite being approached by several brands. (She did agree to partner with Pottery Barn, the brand her wedding registry was through.) “I didn’t want to tire out my followers by selling other people’s things,” she says. “I needed to build this longevity and respect for the brand first.” And now that she’s built that trust, she’s ready to start selling her own products. The tea is first, but more Pantry Hill–branded products may soon follow.

vacation home “When we first moved here, we sat on the front porch with our coffee, and we were like, it’s Tuesday, and this feels like vacation," Darien says. “And so our goal has been to make this place feel like a vacation all the time.”

For those looking to create their own version of what the Rozells have built at Pantry Hill, Darien has some advice. Firstly: “You don’t have to be in the exact right place at the exact right time. It doesn’t have to be your forever house. What do you want out of where you’re currently living? Pull that into your every day.”

And secondly: “You don’t have to have a legacy of 250 years—that legacy can start with you. You can start building that feeling for your children and starting those traditions. Yes, we follow a lot of the traditions and practices that my family has for generations, but we’ve also started some of our own.”

And while the point of Pantry Hill is to share how her family is living intentionally by honoring the legacy of their ancestors and making their home and garden a priority, Darien is under no illusion that what she’s doing is a one-size-fits-all formula for a happy life. Instead, she shares her family’s story in the hope that others will use it to dive into their own version of comfort and happiness. “It’s just thinking about what you value,” she says. “Maybe you live in a city, and what you value is being close to friends and family—your community. And so that’s what you build your life around. It’s just like, what are your priorities?”

Heading into the new era of Pantry Hill, Darien seems to have her priorities straight: Welcome those interested in her story behind the scenes, bring her business to the next level, and reclaim her home for her family. “I do love when my house looks exactly how I pictured it would,” she says. “But my favorite version of our home is when it’s messy and chaotic and there’s family here and the kids are here. That’s the happiest version of home.”

BECOMING BARBARA

TODAY, BARBARA TFANK IS A CELEBRATED FASHION DESIGNER WHO’S DRESSED MICHELLE OBAMA AND ADELE. BUT ONCE UPON A TIME, SHE WAS A TYPICAL STUDENT AT SKIDMORE COLLEGE.

By Sarah Carpenter

y virtue of being a liberal arts school, Skidmore College churns out alumni who go on to succeed in all sorts of fields, from science and politics to business and the performing arts. Many grads end up straying far from what they studied in college, but are able to use the transferable skills they learned at Skidmore—critical thinking, communication, and problemsolving—to excel in any industry they choose to tackle. Fashion designer Barbara Tfank is the perfect example.

At Skidmore, Tfank studied education and psychology. She went on to design looks for Uma Thurman, Kate Winslet, Adele, and Michelle Obama. How exactly did a young liberal arts student dreaming of life as an educator wind up a Los Angeles–based fashion designer to the stars? We have to journey back to the 1970s to answer that one.

After graduating from Skidmore, Tfank got her master’s degree at Stanford University before moving abroad to work for the Ministry of Education in Venezuela. But there are two things you need to know about Barbara Tfank: She loves to learn, and she needs to be creative. While her job in education allowed her to do the former (heck, she learned Spanish while living in South America), she longed to flex her creative muscles. So she returned home to New York City, taking a job as an assistant to fashion designer Salvatore J. Cesarani. The role changed her life, and quickly

became something akin to an apprenticeship. It was one of many times in her life that Tfank did something to which she now attributes her success: She found a great teacher and learned everything she could from him.

After stints working under other great teachers as a photo stylist assistant (she worked with Richard Avedon and Bill King), floral designer (for the Whitney Museum, New York Historical Society, New York City Ballet, and Metropolitan Opera), and costume designer (she worked on feature films including 1992 war drama A Midnight Clear starring Ethan Hawke), Tfank struck off on her own. She designed her first fashion collection, and it got picked up by Barney’s New York, which launched her eponymous fashion label in 2001.

Since then, her work has been regularly featured in Vogue and during New York Fashion Week on Vogue Runway. In 2009, Vogue commissioned her to design a look for Adele to wear to the Grammys, at which the singer won awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. (Tfank went on to design the looks Adele wore to the MTV Awards and Sony’s 2012 Grammy party, among other events.) Her designs eventually drew the attention of Michelle Obama, whose stylist came to see Tfank when she was showing her collection in Paris. Mrs. Obama went on to wear Tfank’s dresses to key events throughout her husband’s presidency, including a 2011 Medal of Honor ceremony, the 2012 State of the Union Address, and a visit to Buckingham Palace, where she met Queen Elizabeth. In 2019, Tfank broke into the wedding industry with her bridal collection, which has since been featured in Vogue Weddings, Town & Country, and Over The Moon

gowning achievement

Barbara Tfank, seen above with Michelle Obama, designed several looks that the first lady wore, and was invited to be a mentor for Mrs. Obama’s fashion education workshop in 2014; (opposite) Tfank’s Spring 2025 collection features a lustrous mix of spring colors and florals that pop in elegant, timeless silhouettes designed to buttress one's wardrobe for the next decade; (previous) an outtake from Tfank’s yearbook photoshoot from her time at Skidmore and a more recent photo of the designer.

The roots of all this success, Tfank says, can be traced back to her undergrad experience—or, more specifically, her undergrad professors. “The seeds were planted at Skidmore,” she says of the origins of her illustrious career. “The teachers there were so wonderful. They set a very high bar…and when I left, I looked for more great teachers.”

When Tfank started at Skidmore, it was still a women’s college. “We were told there was nothing we couldn’t do,” she says. “There were no distractions with guys and stuff—you could be very focused and everyone took you very seriously intellectually, which was really important for me.” Skidmore opened its doors to men during Tfank’s time there, but it took several years for the college to attract a significant proportion of men. Today, about 40 percent of the college’s student body is men.

Tfank says her time at Skidmore did wonders for her confidence. She recalls how insecure she used to be, and remembers entering college under the assumption that she wasn’t as brilliant as everyone else there. Her current view offers a kinder eye toward her teenage self. “It’s quite funny

when I think about it,” she says. “I was doing fabulous costume design in high school, running around New York getting people to teach me things as a teenager, but I didn’t feel that way.”

In March 2023, five decades after she graduated from Skidmore, Tfank returned to the college to give the F. William Harder Lecture in Business Administration. Her talk coincided with an exhibition, Barbara Tfank: Fabric Inspires, which was on view at the Tang Teaching Museum. “It’s completely rebuilt,” she says of the campus. “I remember how the stables used to be…and driving up the main street—all these beautiful houses used to be dorms.”

Now living and working in LA—her studio was all but hemmed in by area wildfires this past winter—Tfank hires interns from her other alma mater, Stanford, to help her with the business side of her operation. It’s a full-circle moment for her: She has become the type of teacher she used to seek out as a young professional. One of her current interns, a talented student studying economics, is a high achiever like she was. “I encouraged her to take history of art, go to museums, and feed the other side of her brain,” Tfank says. Skidmore, she continues, was good at balancing creative arts with academics—a balance Stanford’s administration is realizing the school needs. Tfank says that’s why she’s been invited to host some creative workshops there; at a school known for its exemplary STEM education, Tfank is the token fashion designer alum.

“I get to the be the strange one,” she says. If being strange means possessing the impeccable taste, wide-ranging talents, and tenacious drive of Barbara Tfank, sign us up.

shore bet A rendering of Kos Sauna, which will be located at the waterfront of Lago by Druthers; (opposite, from top) design plans for the floating sauna; Kos creators Kate Butchart and Bjornar Haveland.

BRINGING THE HEAT

NEW YORK STATE’S FIRST FLOATING SAUNA IS COMING TO SARATOGA LAKE. | By Natalli Amato

hat do Norway’s breathtaking fjords and our very own Saratoga Lake have in common? Soon, it will be the rejuvenating presence of floating saunas.

Yes, you read that right. Coming this fall to the Spa City is Kos, a public sauna built on a boat that will be docked at the waterfront of Lago by Druthers. (Kos, a hardto-define Norwegian term that encompasses happiness, warmth, small joys, and luxury as simplicity, is pronounced “koos.”) With Kos, creator Kate Butchart and co-creators Tom Vargehese and Bjornar Haveland will bring a traditional Scandinavian wellness practice that pairs sauna-bathing and cold-plunging to a city long revered as a health destination.

Butchart’s own sauna journey began in 2018, when she moved to Norway for work. The New Jersey native recalls arriving in the unfamiliar country, knowing no one. “The sauna became my survival mechanism,” she says. “It gets you out of the house in winter, meeting people, and it just feels so good.” Flash forward seven years, and this sauna ritual has become a cornerstone of Butchart’s life. “My friends and I meet at the sauna at 7 o’clock in the morning before we go to work,” she says. “It’s such a great way to start the day.”

When Butchart, now a dual US/Norwegian citizen, began planning a move back to the States, she knew she had to take this tradition with her. All that was left was to pick a home for floating sauna.

“We chose Saratoga not just for the

beautiful lake, but also the heritage and the history of the springs,” she says. “It’s such a rich, amazing place.”

Of course, here in the Spa City, we’re no strangers to the pleasures of sauna bathing; a restorative spa day isn’t complete without a little heat therapy. However, what Butchart and her team are bringing to the area is altogether separate from Saratoga’s—and much of the country’s—existing spa scene. What makes Kos a Norwegian sauna, aside from the fact that it floats, is its emphasis on nature and community-building.

To bring her vision to life, Butchart teamed up with award-winning architect Haveland, who designed, built, and runs the floating sauna Laugaren in Bergen, Norway. The design of Kos, which will have a hot room, swimming platform, multipurpose entry room, and roof deck, is inspired by that of a stabbur, a traditional Norwegian structure used to store food.

“It’s not fancy,” Butchart says of her Norwegian sauna practice. “It’s a refreshing, exhilarating experience in nature. And everybody’s the same in there. We’re all undergoing this very intense experience between the extreme heat and the cold. The endorphins that you feel lead you to talk about things that you never would talk about otherwise.”

More than a detox, Kos will give Saratogians an opportunity to carve out space and time to commune with the elements—and one another. Designed to be accessible on a regular, year-round basis, the spa will offer 75-minute social sessions, private rentals, and annual/monthly memberships.

“I feel really honored that I can come home and bring this with me,” Butchart says. “The world needs this.”

THEN, NOW, NEXT

WELL INTO ITS SECOND CENTURY, THE QUEENSBURY-BASED HACKER BOAT COMPANY IS LEANING ON ITS ILLUSTRIOUS PAST TO PROPEL THE ICONIC WOODEN BOAT BRAND INTO THE FUTURE.

By Simon Murray

wood ya look at that Each Hacker-Craft uses an average of 1,000 board feet of mahogany planking and 600 board feet of structural wood, making each boat its own unique work of art.

hen it comes to wooden boatbuilders, many boast a rich history of craftsmanship dating back to the early 20th century. Hacker-Craft, hailing from Detroit, is no exception. “Hackers”—works of art defined by their signature rich mahogany, detailed chrome fittings, custom leather upholstery, and hand-lettered gold logo—have been found plying the Intracoastal, as well as lakes and rivers all over the country, for generations.

Yet, if the nostalgic allure of these boats suggests they might one day become relics of the past, no one told George Badcock. A summer resident of Lake George, Badcock acquired a majority interest in the historic boat maker in 2008, the company’s centennial year. He took control of the business—which, decades earlier had moved operations to the shores of the Queen of American Lakes—in 2011, and hasn’t looked back. Today, The Hacker Boat Company, based in Queensbury, is one of the world’s oldest wooden motorboat builders.

In the alphabet of great boatbuilding accomplishments, the big breakthroughs tend to start near the end. Without John Ludwig Hacker and his revolutionary “V”-hull design, pleasure boats might still be plowing through the water rather than planing over it. It all started in 1918, when Hacker,

outfitting a 32-foot V-hull boat for, yes, Lake George, changed the position of the propeller so it could lift the stern of the boat out of the water. With that placement, he defined what would become the classic runabout type.

During the ensuing Roaring Twenties, “runabout” referred exclusively to small, fast, varnished wooden boats made by Hacker. Over time, the term has grown to describe just about any pleasure craft of a certain size—from center consoles and bass boats to jet boats and tenders. (If you’ve ever been boating on a lake, odds are you’ve been out on a runabout.) Such was Hacker’s contribution to boating that, in a very real sense, his hull bottom democratized speed and efficiency across the pursuits of fishing, racing, waterskiing, and waterborne transportation. However, in the process, the original meaning of “runabout” was lost. As a result, context is important when talking about boats, because calling a wooden runabout “just a boat” is like calling a zebra “just a striped horse.”

While Hacker made a splash with his hull design, the materials he chose for his boats played an equally important a role in keeping his brand afloat more than a century later. Indeed, there’s something about glossy wood construction that stirs the soul. Maybe it’s a primordial connection enlivened

stain on a reputation Mahogany’s strength and natural resistance to water and rot make it the ideal choice for wooden boats. A team of experts applying the proper stain and varnish means the finished product looks great, too.

by natural elements—being surrounded by wind, sea, wood, and salt—or maybe it’s witnessing beautiful shades of varnish gently caressed by the first light of day. Whatever it is, wood materials often evoke a romanticism that the practical simplicity of bone-white fiberglass can’t quite match.

Of course, in recent decades it’s been that practical simplicity that has given fiberglass boats a bit of an edge in the pleasure craft market. The knock on wood has always been its upkeep—wooden watercraft require regular inspections followed by sanding, painting, and caulking to prevent leaks and structural damage. It’s a small (gulp) price to pay for a vessel painstakingly built by hand, although getting chummy with the nearest boat yard could make any owner feel like they’re bearing an ill-fated albatross around their neck. (You know what they say about a boat being a hole in the water…)

Except the glorious thing about watching a brand live on well past its 100th birthday is witnessing its evolution of technological advancements. Modern Hacker-Crafts exemplify a blend of timeless elegance and cutting-edge innovation. While they still evoke the classic style of the 1920s and ’30s,

the hulls feature modern epoxies sandwiched between three layers of mahogany planking beneath the waterline. This creates what the company calls a “dry bottom,” which is not only exceptionally strong, but also significantly lower maintenance than the hulls of yesteryear. To underscore the company’s confidence in its product, each new Hacker-Craft comes with a five-year hull warranty.

Today, this marriage of traditional design and modern technology is brought to life by a dedicated team of 30 craftsmen at Hacker-Craft’s facility in Queensbury. (A decade after purchasing the company, George Badcock relocated its headquarters from Silver Bay to a 54,000-square-foot facility in Queensbury.) Each boat takes between 3,000 and 5,000 hours to produce, with the various points of assembly overseen by Erin Badcock, chief operating officer and daughter of the company’s owner. “Every part of the construction process is its own craft,” Erin says. “Even down to our rigging team, which is obviously more engineering-focused.”

In 2011, The Hacker Boat Company was exclusively building its traditional runabout model, along with the Sport and Sterling models—the latter named in honor of the engines that powered many early-20th-century Hacker-Craft runabouts. Under the Badcocks’ stewardship, the company brought in naval architect Jeff Brown, who helped expand the lineup to nine models. These include a commuter with an enclosed cabin, the Monaco with a cuddy cabin, a center console, and even an electric series, all of which are fully customizable from stem to stern. Outfitting these boats with modern conveniences—such as performance engines, GPS, and topof-the-line stereos—has also broadened the appeal to a new generation of boat owners, many of whom have young families in tow. Extending the lineup and attracting new enthusiasts feels like a fitting tribute to John L. Hacker, whose legacy shaped not just runabouts, but small pleasure craft as a whole.

While the team’s eyes are on the future, one foot remains firmly planted in the past. The Hacker Boat Company is deeply involved in refit and restoration work, ensuring that the existing Hacker-Craft fleet stays in peak condition. “Many owners return annually or every few years for refinishing and maintenance,” says Erin. The company also helps clients sell their boats and offers a certified pre-owned program, providing buyers with expertly restored Hacker-Crafts that uphold the brand’s legendary craftsmanship. But the sale of pre-owned Hackers isn’t all that common. “Most of our clients own their boats for a long time,” Erin says. “Many have been passed down through generations.”

With an existing showroom in Silver Bay and plans for a new showroom at the Queensbury property in the works, The Hacker Boat Company doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. As the brand continues to evolve, its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation ensures that the best of American boating will endure for generations to come.

COLOR CORRECTION

HOW CAPITAL REGION DESIGNER MEHNAZ KHAN

USES THE POWER OF COLOR TO INFLUENCE HER CLIENTS’ MOODS, EMOTIONS, AND OVERALL WELLNESS.

By Sarah Carpenter

door plan “Doors are often a missed opportunity,” Mehnaz Khan says. In this hallway, she made the door part of the design by painting it with Sherwin-Williams Golden Gate in high gloss; (opposite) Khan is an interior designer with a master’s degree in computer science as well as an MBA.

hat color should we paint the kitchen?

It’s not a question you’d ask your primary care physician, and yet, for interior designer and color psychology specialist Mehnaz Khan, it’s one that most certainly falls into the sphere of health and wellness.

In a design world that has been dominated by whites, neutrals, and grays in recent decades, Khan is an advocate for using color—almost as medicine. “Sometimes clients come to me wanting to do an all-gray interior, and I have to politely refuse,” she says. It’s not that Khan doesn’t think gray looks good—she refuses for health and safety reasons. Seriously.

“It’s a liability, because I know the emotional impact that it’s going to have in a few years,” she continues. “Gray shuts you down. Color is much more than a visual stimulus—when used thoughtfully, it can help create environments that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”

To some, this may sound far-fetched. But color psychology is something both scientists and marketers have been interested in for decades.

Remember the mid-aughts, when it was a revelation to learn that so many fast-food companies use red and yellow in their logos because the colors are known to stimulate appetite and hijack attention? That fun fact came from “Impact of Color on Marketing,” a popular paper that was published by a Canadian professor in 2006, but that cites research going back to the 1950s.

While there isn’t conclusive evidence that says certain colors definitely have particular psychological properties, per se, the research shows that color does indeed have an impact. Exactly what that impact is fluctuates depending on a person’s personality and background. In short, different colors might trigger different associations for different people.

Khan’s POV: If companies are using these principles to influence you to buy their products, why can’t a designer use them to influence you in other, more positive ways?

“I always first look at a client’s needs, their personality, lifestyle, and the purpose of the room,” Khan says of her design process. (Color psychology is so subjective, that she only works in residential homes where she’s designing for specific individuals.) “Your doctor wouldn’t prescribe two people with the same disease exactly the same thing—even if the medicine happens to be the same, the dosage or method would be tailored to each body.”

With this approach, Khan offers some free advice: Don’t run after trends. It bothers her to see people pushing a “color of the year” trend in design. “To me,” she says, “that’s like saying Vitamin C is the vitamin of the year.”

There was a time, before she was an interior designer, when Khan’s own home décor was all neutral, with white walls—a color she’d ended up with because it goes with everything. But in the long stretch of winter, “it was white outside the house and white inside the house,” says Khan, who has a master’s degree in computer science as well as an MBA. She took some time off from work to raise her kids, and that’s when she started painting—oils, abstracts, florals, Arabic calligraphy. It was the first year she didn’t experience seasonal depression, something she’d been dealing with for some time.

“I was struggling,” she says. “The home that was supposed to be my sanctuary ended up making me feel emotionally drained and physically unwell.”

But she realized colors were working for her. She started studying the psychology of color on her own time,

nook smart (clockwise, from top left) Khan’s formula for personalizing an empty nook or vignette involves something colorful, something patterned, and something personal; hand-beaded tape trim with contrast piping elevates an otherwise plain curtain; a vintage chair received a makeover with modern fabrics, making it not only a place to sit but also a piece of art; low-intensity blues can be calming, making them perfect for a bedroom.

diving into the research and “connecting the dots.” Now she’s a color psychology specialist and owner of Your Colorful Home Interiors, a full-service, Capital Region–based design firm.

“In today’s frivolous world, colors seem like something just to make things beautiful,” Khan says. “But have you ever entered a space, and you don’t know why, but you feel anxious or angry there?” Khan remembers a time she had to take a loved one to a hospital clinic that was covered in that soul-crushing gray. “By the time we left,” she says, “I was physically sick.”

Deployed with care, Khan says, color can be a tool you use to shape your home and lifestyle. “By using color consciously in your surroundings, you can set up your house for joy, or calm,” she says. For example, if you want to inspire yourself to remember to be patient with your family, choose colors that make you feel calm and serene. And know that you don’t have to pick one color palette for your entire house.

“The actions and activities that happen in each room are different, so the color palette of each room is going to be different,” she says. The kitchen, Khan continues, is a place for physical activity. It’s not about intellect and mental activity—it’s chopping, cutting, washing, using your hands. It’s physical and emotional. The bedroom is for relaxing. The office depends on the type of work you do.

Wondering what color you should paint your living room? Well, Khan will have to get to know you before she can answer that.

RUSHDOWN STUDIOS READIES TO TAKE OVER THE VIDEO GAME WORLD FROM ITS DOWNTOWN SARATOGA HQ.

By Natalli Amato

GAME ON

Everyone knows Saratoga is the place to be for foodies and racing fanatics, wellness gurus and 46ers. But hiding in plain sight is a whole other world: a thriving video game development industry bringing talented developers and designers to upstate New York.

Saratoga’s Rushdown Studios is leading the charge—and growing at a rapid pace. Founded in 2021 by industry veterans Kirk Becker, Andy Polidore, and Richard Hall, Rushdown now has more than 30 employees and sees the future as only up from here.

Rushdown got its start working on the backend of video games; in other words, it focused on the server-side functionality of games (such as storing player data, matchmaking in multiplayer games, and reducing lag), rather than front-end gameplay mechanics or graphics. “In the past, we’ve handed off the visual design and implementation in the game to our partners’ engineers,” Polidore says. “But we decided that was something we could do ourselves, so we’ve built a UI/UX team that does designs/mockups/art as well as the technical implementation into the game. This allows us to take on larger features and, frankly, it’s fun to be able to point to visual things in a game and say, ‘We built that!’”

For those not privy to the way video games are made, UI stands for user interface (how the game looks) and UX stands for user experience (how the game works). Not only do games need to be visually appealing—they also need to be easy to interact with. These days, Rushdown handles both sides of the coin.

It makes sense that a company in such a digital industry would thrive with a remote work environment, but at Rushdown, personal connection is at the heart of the creative process. To that end, team members have the option to collaborate in a physical office located above the AMC movie theater in downtown Saratoga—an office that also promotes connection to the local community.

“We love the region,” says Polidore, a Johnstown native whose work took him

to New York City for a time. He notes that being within walking distance of Saratoga’s bustling bars, restaurants, and coffee shops was a priority when hunting for an office space. “That’s why we’re here,” he continues. “Our rent is more than it would have been somewhere else, but we really wanted to grow something here. I always said, if I was going to come back to upstate New York, Saratoga would be the place.”

And Rushdown isn't the only video game development studio in town. When Polidore, a Union College grad, moved back to the area from New York City, he landed at MadGlory, now PUBG MadGlory, a company that’s been integral in shaping the area’s video game development scene. Polidore is quick to note that the scene has been here for years: Now, he says, “that’s grown even more.”

Part of the area’s appeal for studios like Rushdown and PUBG MadGlory is the steady stream of talent. “What’s great about where we are, number one, is that we have a cluster of studios, so there actually are people with perfect, relevant experience,” Polidore says. “We also have a lot of great colleges like RPI and RIT. All the tech schools around here really build high-quality people that grow into game engineers, and they’re really improving their game engineering programs.”

To date, Rushdown has worked on top games including PUBG: Battlegrounds, Among Us, League of Legends, and Last Epoch. But with each new hire and new discipline added, the company gets closer to being able to build out entire games on its own. Will the world’s next blockbuster video game come out of Saratoga Springs, NY? We can see the rendered Thoroughbreds coming down the stretch now.

big time rushdown (clockwise, from top left) Character art by Alessandra Fonseca; a screenshot from the game Soul Forge Arena; Rushdown’s Saratoga office; a screenshot from PUBG: Battlegrounds; a Rushdown keyboard; another screenshot from PUBG: Battlegrounds; Rushdown cofounders Andy Polidore and Kirk Becker; a character from Last Epoch; Rushdown-branded sneakers.

GREEN DREAMS

THREE DECADES AFTER GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES STARTED PICKING UP STEAM IN THE US, SARATOGA’S PHINNEY DESIGN GROUP IS STILL SETTING THE SUSTAINABILITY STANDARD IN NEW YORK STATE .

By Sara Foss

leed the way Situated on the west side of Lake George, this Phinney Design Group home received a LEED Gold certification, and employs a geothermal heating and cooling system, highly insulated panels and radiant barriers in the roof, and LED lighting.

hen Michael Phinney studied architecture in the 1990s at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, unconventional modern buildings were all the rage. But those structures didn’t appeal to him. “They were these super-twisted, folded metal kinds of things,” Phinney says. “They felt cold.”

As an architect, Phinney has gone in a completely different direction from the architects who once made waves with their sculptural and imposing buildings. Look through his firm’s portfolio, and you’ll find properties that blend in with their environment. Many have large windows to let in the light, and many use modest materials such as wood and stone. Because while Phinney bucked the futuristic trend that was dominant during his college days, he sunk his teeth into another nascent trend—nay, a movement—and hasn’t let go since.

The sustainable architecture movement can be traced back to the 1960s and ’70s when environmentalism gained popularity, but it wasn’t until the early 1990s that the green building wave really started picking up momentum. In 1990, the UK introduced the world’s first green building standard, and in 1993, the US followed suit with the establishment of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Eager to dive into this new world of design, Phinney actually wrote his college thesis paper on environmental awareness in architecture.

After graduating from RPI, while working with Albany’s WCGS Architects, Phinney served as project designer and project architect for the first LEED-certified building in New York: the 15-story headquarters for the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation in downtown Albany, which was completed in 2001. “I saw this as a huge opportunity to do something I was really passionate about, learn a

michael’s arts and crafts

Lake George native Michael Phinney grew up outdoors, and aspired to be an artist until a teacher advised him against it. “They said, ‘You won’t make any money. It’s a really difficult life,’” he recalls. But a guidance counselor steered him toward architecture. “I realized I liked to build things,” he says. “I was pretty handy. I liked carpentry work.”

lot, and get paid for it,” Phinney says. So he started his own firm.

Founded 22 years ago, Phinney Design Group is a multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design, and construction management firm that specializes in sustainable design and green building, both for new builds (residential and commercial) and retrofits of existing properties. Most of the firm’s projects are in the Capital Region, Lake George, and Lake Placid areas, but the company recently expanded to the Hudson Valley, where it’s currently renovating a vacant mansion and turning it into a boutique 55-room hotel called The McKinstry, and New York City, where it just opened a satellite office.

“A lot of what we do is restoration and preservation projects,” says Cira Masters, director of marketing and business development for Phinney Design Group. “The most green and sustainable thing you can do is restore a building that’s already here.”

What exactly does sustainable design entail, though?

In an industry that accounts for some 37 percent of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions, green buildings incorporate technologies that reduce their carbon footprint, such as energyefficient appliances, and produce clean energy, such as solar panels. Many also make use of what Phinney simply calls “common sense.” For example: considering the changing angle of the sun during the design process and constructing overhangs that block the summer sun and let the winter sun in.

“A lot of this is just common sense stuff that we knew for a really long time and forgot,” Phinney said. “My philosophy is: Let’s do all the common sense stuff we can, and then we’ll add technology to it. That’s what we do on every project type.”

Phinney also considers “embodied energy”—the total amount of energy consumed during creation—when developing his projects. He looks at

how much energy goes into producing the building materials, the energy used to transport those materials, and the energy used to make the final product. Whenever he can, he tries to bring down the embodied energy level of his products, sometimes by sourcing locally—using stone from quarries in New York or Vermont rather than, say, Italy.

One recent high-profile Phinney Design Group project is Saratoga’s 385 Broadway, a five-story luxury apartment building inspired by the United States Hotel, a Victorian-era hotel that once occupied the site. The structure has a “living roof”—a layer of vegetation that eats carbon, removing heat from the air and reducing temperatures both inside and outside of the building. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, a living roof can lower a building’s cooling load by 70 percent compared to conventional roofs.

The building is also home to Coat Room, an upscale bar and restaurant that was also designed by Phinney Design Group. The firm received a prestigious Citation Award from the American Institute of Architects of Eastern New York for Coat Room, which has energy-efficient lighting and an all-electric kitchen.

While Coat Room itself certainly has a vibe, Phinney says he prides himself on not having a signature style.

raise the roof The living roof atop 385 Broadway in downtown Saratoga; (top) a rendering of Riley Farm, a subdivision off Kaydeross Avenue East in Saratoga that will feature 14 custom homes and emphasize the natural beauty of the surrounding area. “You’re not going to be in one of those cookie-cutter developments where you can see in each other’s windows,” Phinney Design Group Marketing Director Cira Masters says of the project.

“Each project is unique, each site is unique, each client is unique, each budget is unique,” he says. “Most buildings we design are green in some way. Some are very much so.”

One project that falls on the “very much so” end of the spectrum is the Bridge House on Friends Lake, a netzero residence that generates more energy than it uses. Built from locally sourced products and materials and

utilizing a geothermal heating/cooling system, The Bridge House doesn’t use any fossil fuels—it has solar panels and faces solar south, allowing for optimized solar energy and passive heating.

“It’s a shining example of how you can do a very green, very sustainable house in the middle of the Adirondacks,” says Phinney, who himself hails from the Northcountry. The descendent of a long line of Adirondack natives, Phinney grew up in the Lake George area, and traces his passion for sustainable design back to his childhood.

“We’ve always been pioneers,” he says of his family. “Mountain men. I have some pretty hardcore roots with the land. I was an outdoor kid. I would leave at 5 or 6 in the morning and be home for dinner. My entertainment was being in the woods.”

Growing up, Phinney hiked, camped, and worked at his father’s marina on Lake George in the summers. “I took it for granted when I was younger,” he says. “The natural beauty of our area.”

Now a father himself, Phinney hopes that investment in green buildings will continue to grow, inspiring more businesses and homeowners to buy or build properties that are better for the earth.

“I’m interested in this from a futureof-the-world perspective, not just a business perspective,” he says. “I have a 14 year old and a 12 year old. Hopefully, I’ll see their grandkids someday.”

SARATOGA’S HOTTEST TICKETS

Saratoga Film Showcase

JANUARY 17-18 • PUTNAM PLACE AND SCENE ONE ENTERTAINMENT photography by ZACH SKOWRONEK and FIONA STEVENS

In January the saratoga living team was proud to sponsor the inaugural Saratoga Film Showcase, a minifilm festival put on by local filmmaker Spencer Sherry and made possible by way of a collaboration between Saratoga Arts, Discover Saratoga, and the 518 Film Network. The two-day event featured three blocks of short films with filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, parties, and the headlining feature: Paint, the Owen Wilson movie that filmed in Saratoga back in 2021.

Micah Khan, Nicole Coady, Brit McAdams

The crowd at Friday night’s Shorts After Dark film block at Putnam Place

Spencer Sherry, Lauren Leddy

Maude Baum, Laura Teeter, Angelina Labate

Good Karma’s Jess Lubin

Terese Russell, Brit McAdams, Spencer Sherry, Jessie House

Danica Clauser, Alexander Cope

Marty Nagle, Brit McAdams, Megan Nagle

A Saratoga Film Showcase badge

Wilton’s Scene One Entertainment fills up for Paint, the headlining feature

Spencer Sherry, Micah Khan, Charity Buckbee, Joey LaFrance, Elisheva Novella

Ryan Doris, Victoria Diana, Michelle Polacinski, Arielle Steele

June House, Jessie House, Mark House

The House Party Band’s Mark Garthwait

Jill Burg, Jessica Burg, Cal Slavitt, Rachel Burg, Brit McAdams, Harry Burg

The House Party Band’s Ame

SARATOGA DESIGN

CELEBRATING DESIGN EXCELLENCE

● Leaders in the Design Industry to Boutique Creatives Showcasing Design Products, Materials, and Trends

● Expert Speakers and Moderated Panel Discussions

● Learn from Professionals, and Gain Extraordinary Insider Knowledge of the Design Industry

● A Broad Range of Exhibitor Products Within an Exceptional Networking Space

● For Designers, Trade Partners, Vendors, and Consumers

● Build Relationships with Industry Colleagues During the Day and into the Evening at our Social Events

BROUGHT TO YOU BY ASID NEW YORK UPSTATF/CANADA EAST FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT nyuce.asid.org/events/09-19-24-saratoga-design-expo

home stretch

fashion & style :: HOUSE & HOME :: FOOD & DRINK

Soup Season

it takes a special flavor of upstate New York fashion know-how to be able to look good while standing around sipping soup in below-freezing temps. Nonetheless, more than a few revelers at Discover Saratoga’s annual Chowderfest pulled off the feat, and drew our attention. Meet the cold-weather warriors here.

BY TIINA LOITE

photography by SHAWN L a CHAPELLE

Denise Eliopulos

RETIRED LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR GREENWICH

What is your all-time favorite soup?

“I came here specifically for Simply Yours chowder by Kenny Bourbeau. It’s incredible!”

Winston & Lola DOGS STILLWATER

This is a particularly cold winter— how are you dressing for it?

“The dogs have warm clothing. They have hats, and they had Christmas sweaters.”

—Owner Ronni Gaba

EVENT: THE 26th ANNUAL SARATOGA CHOWDERFEST

PLACE: DOWNTOWN SARATOGA

DATE: FEBRUARY 8

Did you specifically wear something that you don’t mind having soup spilled on?

Alexa: “I love this jacket, but it’s water resistant, so I’m not worried.”

SCHUYLERVILLE

home stretch

fashion & style :: HOUSE & HOME :: FOOD & DRINK

Jameson Wells

RETIRED DESIGNER

GLOVERSVILLE

“This coat is from the 1920s. I bought it at an auction.”

Nessa McKie TAX ACCOUNTANT SYRACUSE

“I only had sneakers and I was told I had to wear boots.”

Andrew Manderino

PROGRAM MANAGER

SAN

DIEGO

“If I was in San Diego right now, I’d probably be wearing a light sweater and a pair of chinos.”

Samantha & Lexie Brown

CUSTOMER SERVICE REP

SCHENECTADY

“My daughter is the one I dress for the weather. She warms me right up. She’s tried four soups!”

Brooke Kemp & Ross Cumoletti

FASHION PLANNER & ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, NYC

Brooke: “I’m wearing two pairs of leggings!”

Ashley Kauffman

SPEECH THERAPIST

QUEENSBURY

“I wore what I wore because I wanted to look cute.”

Tonia Guyer

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN POESTENKILL

“If I spill soup on this it will be camouflaged.”

Kyra Ziobrowski

FOOD BANK COORDINATOR ROCHESTER

“Being a Bills season ticket–holder, I’m ready for this weather!”

Alexandria Pagano

POLICE OFFICER

LONG ISLAND

“I’m here because my sister who lives in Saratoga says it’s a good time every year.”

home stretch

FASHION & STYLE :: house & home :: FOOD & DRINK

Cabinet Meeting

TWO TALENTED DESIGNERS— ONE SLIGHTLY LESS SERIOUS ABOUT HER TRADE THAN THE OTHER—TEAM UP TO CREATE A ONE-OF-A-KIND TWO-ISLAND KITCHEN.

BY NATALIE MOORE photography by ELIZABETH HAYNES

when saratoga homeowners Kate and Ted Martin decided to remodel their kitchen, they dreamed of a space with two distinct zones—one for cooking and one for entertaining. After a few failed attempts at making it happen, they found just the duo for the job.

“The first time I met Kate and Ted, they had already worked with a few different kitchen companies trying to figure out the design, layout, and finishes, but weren’t happy with the limitations of the cabinetry that was being presented to them,” says Justin Steinberger of Argylebased Steinberger Woodworks and one half of the Martins’ dream team. “Those kind of words are music to my ears. We design and build everything in house, and really have no limitations. And I always enjoy a challenge.”

The challenge at hand: Turn a closed-off kitchen and dining room—

wood you rather Steinberger Woodworks, which handled the cabinetry in this Saratoga kitchen, not only designs kitchen cabinetry, but fabricates, finishes, and installs it, too. “I always tell my customers that they are working with the person that is going to be handling every aspect of their cabinetry from start to finish,” says owner Justin Steinberger.

with a gorgeous bay window that just so happened to hinder many potential cabinetry layouts—into one big, openconcept kitchen with two (!) islands.

The layout, Steinberger took care of.

The design choices are where Andrea Zappone came in.

“I’m pretty sure I said no the first two times Kate asked me to help out with the design, but she won me over with two margaritas at Cantina,” says Zappone, a non-designer who just so happens to have exquisite interior design taste. “One of the first things I wanted to do was give the two islands different personalities. The ‘utility’ island has a stone top, bead board on the sides, curved traditional legs,

and three feminine crystal pendants hanging above where their daughters would eat breakfast. The other—more of a bar for entertaining—has a sleek stone waterfall edge and sits beneath an ultra-modern gold linear chandelier. The juxtaposition of the traditional elements of the utility bar with the sleek design of the entertaining bar makes my heart sing.”

There’s also a juxtaposition when it comes to the cabinets themselves. Some are painted in a neutral tone (Benjamin Moore’s Alaskan Skies), and some are wood tone rift-sawn white oak with a specialty finish on them that preserves their color. The gold hardware just so happens to work on both.

To bring it all together, Zappone and Kate agreed on a stone backsplash to match the islands. And while the stone looks a whole lot like marble, it’s actually a more affordable option. “Porcelain fabricators essentially print porcelain slabs to look like natural stone,” Zappone says. “The slabs are much easier to affix to walls, given that they are much thinner and weigh less than marble. And, porcelain doesn’t stain or etch like marble, making it considerably more durable.”

Kate selected Calacatta Macchia Vecchia stone, which has browns and tans that run through it, and chocolate brown stools to bring in the colors—an homage to her mom, who always decorated with chocolate brown and had passed away less than a year prior.

“With the help of Andrea and Justin, we transformed this home into an open, functional space that perfectly fits our family,” Kate says. “Now, our home feels inviting, intentional, and exactly how we envisioned—a place to gather, cook, and make memories.”

APRIL 8 • 6 pm

home stretch

FASHION & STYLE :: HOUSE & HOME :: food & drink

The Magic of Tree House

in 2025, it is rare indeed to find a brand—especially one in the sales-challenged beer industry—that’s not engaged in shameless self-promotion but rather plays hard to get with writers trying to give them free publicity.

But Tree House Brewing Company doesn’t play by the rules—a fact that apparently suits its bottom line and legions of fans just fine.

Founded in a barn in Brimfield, MA in 2011, Tree House has come to operate six facilities throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. It pioneered the hazy IPA craze via its signature juicy brew, Julius, and has expanded its hopcentric portfolio to include a selection of cult-favorite staples plus a robust, everchanging list of IPAs, stouts,

juice’s flowing Tree House Brewing’s 10th anniversary Juice Machine IPA; (right) the exterior of the new Saratoga location.

and more. Beerlovers from all over the Northeast drive hours to buy cans of their favorite brews, and often stick around for a pint and a pizza in one of Tree House’s expansive, modern-yet-cozy taprooms.

And in 2023, the brand announced that it would build a seventh taproom across the street from Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs.

The announcement incited a flurry of excitement and headlines, for good reason—not only does Tree House make good beer, but the brewery’s trickledown benefit to the local economy is also expected to be huge; the flagship brewery in Charlton, MA alone generates an estimated $60 million in annual economic impact.

At press time, Tree House’s Saratoga location was open for curbside pickup, an operation that runs like a well-oiled machine. You order the beer online, pick a date and time to pick up, pre-pay, pull up, and hit a button to tell the staff where you’re parked. And… Presto! A cheerful employee arrives at your car door with your order. (Despite the seemingly seamless process, Saratogians’ mad dash to get

cans caused a bit of a traffic pileup on Route 9 the first weekend curbside pickup was offered.)

We don’t yet know when the brewery will open for in-person dining and drinking (neither does the singular local employee I managed to get ahold of), or exactly what’s in store for the 23,000-square-foot taproom. The building, which was designed by Boston-based firm Bergmeyer, appears to stay true to Tree House’s trademark vibrant-but-cozy, light-filled design. Clues from Tree House’s other locations and sketches of the new property point to a high chance of there being fire pits, walking trails, and spaces for live music in the 11-acre outdoor space.

Already, Tree House has invested in Saratoga in more ways than one; sales from the new location’s first beer benefit both Sustainable Saratoga and SPAC. It seems that for a company like Tree House, which has a propensity for keeping quiet in the face of mounting public excitement, actions really do speak louder than words.

SARATOGA’S NEWEST BREWERY DOESN’T NEED FREE PR. n BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX

Photos by Meri Light Photography

home stretch

FASHION & STYLE :: HOUSE & HOME :: food & drink

fare trade Bocage owners Zac Denham and Clark Gale outside their new restaurant, which will take over the former home of Trattoria Fortunata this spring.

Setting the Standard

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR OWNERS CLARK GALE AND ZAC DENHAM ARE GEARING UP TO OPEN STANDARD FARE , A NEW RESTAURANT ON PHILA STREET, THIS SPRING.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL WIGGIN

turns out, the rumors were true. Zac and Clark are opening another restaurant on Phila Street.

For those who aren’t on a first-name basis with recently minted Saratoga “Night Mayor” Zac Denham and his slightly more pragmatic partner (in business and in life), Clark Gale, the duo are the owners of Bocage, the teeny-tiny, glitzy and glam Champagne bar that opened on Phila Street in 2021. In January, they confirmed what at least one of their loose-lipped employees let slip late last year: They have indeed signed a lease at 21 Phila Street, the acrossthe-street neighbor of Bocage and former home of Trattoria Fortunata, and are planning to open a full-service restaurant in the space this spring.

Scan the QR code for the rest of the story, and head to the SARATOGA LIVING AFTER HOURS homepage for more foodie news updates.

Coat Room

385 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS the C oatroom.com • 518.306.4155

As Coat room turns the corner toward its second spring season, you can expect great things. The ever-evolving cocktail program will be bringing in fresh and bright ingredients, and the crowd favorite “Side Salad”—Coat Room’s homage to the Caprese salad in cocktail form—will be making its return. Looking for weeknight plans? On Wednesdays, Coat Room offers a burger and beer special, and on Thursdays, you can’t go wrong with two-for-one espresso martinis! See website for hours.

Cantina

408 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SP R INGS cantinasaratoga.com • 518.587.5577

BKindred

84 HENRY STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS kindredsaratoga.com • 518.886.1198

From the creators of Henry Street Taproom, Kindred is a wine bar that focuses not only on good wine, but specialty cocktails, craft beer, and top-notch food, too. The menu focuses on small plates cooked in wood-fired ovens, as well as select entrées including pan-roasted cod and NY prime strip steak. Comfortable and chic, Kindred is the perfect place to make memories with friends and family this spring. Open Tuesday-Saturday 4pm-midnight.

Lake Ridge

35 BURLINGTON AVENUE, ROUND LAKE lake-ridge.com • 518.899.6000

roadway dining hotspot Cantina has been serving up fresh Mexican dishes and signature margaritas in the heart of downtown Saratoga for the last 18 years. Guests flock to the restaurant for its festive vibe, creative fare and craft cocktails—happy hour, anyone?! The patio will open for the season in April, as will the Cantina Rooftop as the weather permits. Celebrate spring with warm-weather favorites including salads, seafood, tacos, and fajitas, which are best enjoyed al fresco. See website for seasonal hours and social media for Rooftop hours.

Tucked away in the Village of Round Lake, just off exit 11 of the Northway, Lake Ridge is only 10 minutes from Saratoga Springs and 15 minutes from Albany. The romantic establishment—which boasts seafood, steak, pasta, small plates, and more—is a great, laid-back alternative to dining in busy Saratoga. Whether you’re sitting down for a three-course meal or bellying up to the mahogany bar, you’ll always have a great time at Lake Ridge, which this year is celebrating 24 years in business. Open 4-8:45pm Tuesday-Saturday.

PDT Maison

35 MAPLE AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS pdtmaison.com • 518.360.4040

Lunchtime in Saratoga is about to get a whole lot sweeter—and more savory. At press time, PDT Catering’s Adam Foti was gearing up to open PDT Maison, a European-inspired lunch/brunch café, in the former home of Farmers Hardware on Maple Ave in early March. On the menu? High-quality scratch-made soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and brunch entrees, all available for dine in or take away. PDT Maison will also host private parties (think showers, rehearsal dinners, and luncheons) for up to 80 people. See website for hours.

Henry Street

Taproom

86 HENRY STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS henrystreettaproom.com • 518.886.8938

GPrime Restaurant

458 UNION AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS primeatsaratoganational.com • 518.583.4653

Whether you spent the day golfing on Saratoga National’s 18-hole championship course or have never golfed a day in your life, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Prime. Overlooking the golf course’s 18th hole, Prime is open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner seven days a week in season. Cozy up to the stone fireplace, or head outside to the expansive patio when the weather gets warm. In search of a venue for your next event? Prime and Mazzone Hospitality have you covered! See website for seasonal hours.

The Wishing Well

745 SARATOGA ROAD, WILTON wishingwellrestaurant.com • 518.584.7640

ood food, lots of beer and an atmosphere that’s the perfect mix of relaxed, cozy, and chic? That’s what you can expect at Henry Street Taproom, which has been serving local craft beers and ciders, inventive cocktails, and locally sourced, made-from-scratch food since 2012. More than 12 years later, Henry Street is still a go-to spot for locals who never tire of cozying up to the fire or settling in on the patio when the warm weather rolls around. Open Tuesday-Friday 4-10pm; Saturday 2-10pm; Sunday 2-9pm.

Located a few miles north of downtown Saratoga Springs, the historic Wishing Well has been welcoming friends and guests since 1936. With fresh, innovative dishes on its menu—including certified angus beef, fresh-steamed Maine lobster, and an array of fresh seafood featured every night—The Wishing Well is an elegant, charming place to dine, relax, and unwind. And don’t forget the wine! To complement the dinner menu, The Wishing Well’s wine selections draw heavily on small, familyowned wineries that practice sustainable agriculture methods. Open Tuesday-Sunday at 4pm.

Panza’s Restaurant

129 SOUTH BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS

panzasrestaurant.com • 518.584.6882

TFranklin Square Market

55 RAILROAD PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS franklinsqmarket.com • 518.430.2049

reasured family recipes have kept Panza’s a Saratoga staple since 1938. Expect classic Italian food that meets modern American fare in a cozy, intimate setting—and an ever-evolving menu that keeps regulars coming back for new takes on their favorite dishes. In the mood for a show? Pull a chair up to the intimate piano bar, or come by on a Sunday, when the popular Sinatra & Friends show takes the storied Starlight Lounge stage. Open WednesdaySunday 5-9pm; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Dunning Street Station

2853 STATE ROUTE 9, MALTA dunningstreetstation.com • 518.587.2000

Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs just off Exit 13S, Dunning Street Station is known for its laid-back environment and front-of-mind customer service. Chef Bruce Jacobsen, formerly of sister restaurant Lake Ridge, has curated an impressive menu that features many Italian-inspired classics with a twist, and the bar staff is ready to serve you a bright, spring cocktail. Dunning Street also hosts private events and offers gift certificates for all your gifting needs. Open Tuesday-Saturday 3-9pm.

Sure, you can just go to Franklin Square to pick up your groceries, but there’s so much more to Saratoga’s foodie HQ. Every month, the onsite Market Bar & Restaurant hosts both $2 oyster nights and wine dinners, and is now serving up authentic Japanese sushi. Franklin Square’s popular Cookbook Club series is also gaining momentum, with classes selling out each month. And the party doesn’t stop there. Save the date! The second annual FSM Derby Day Party will return May 3. See website for hours.

Elsasser’s Beim 111

111 MAIN STREET, GREENWICH elsassers111.com • 518.531.4777

Did you know you can get authentic Alsatian food, which blends French and German culinary traditions, right in Greenwich? Elsasser’s Beim 111 is the brainchild of Manhattanite and Saratoga sommelier Christopher Bischoff, who has curated an impressive menu including sauerbraten, schnitzel, spätzle, cordon bleu, and flammkuchen (crème fraiche–based flatbread). Check out Elsasser's spring menu online or cash in on their new Sunday evening special beginning March 16—enjoy a prix fixe dinner paired with Chris' choice of wines from around the world, all for $111. See website for hours.

Coat Room

thecoatroom.com

 518.306.4155

385 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Dunning Street Station

dunningstreetstation.com

 518.587.2000

2853 State Route 9, Malta

Franklin Square Market

franklinsqmarket.com

 518.430.2049

55 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs

Henry Street

Taproom

henrystreettaproom.com

 518.886.8938

86 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs

Kindred

kindredsaratoga.com

 518.886.1198

84 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs

Lake Ridge Restaurant

lake-ridge.com

 518.899.6000

35 Burlington Avenue, Round Lake

PDT Maison

pdtmaison.com

 518.360.4040

135 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Prime Restaurant

primeatsaratoganational.com

 518.583.4653

458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs

The Wishing Well

wishingwellrestaurant.com

 518.584.7640

745 Saratoga Road, Gansevoort

Elsasser's Biem 111

elsassers111.com

 518.531.4777

111 Main Street, Greenwich

Panza’s Restaurant

panzasrestaurant.com

 518.584.6882

129 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Cantina

cantinasaratoga.com

 518.587.5577

408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

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IConner Roohan’s Sales Pitch

HOW SARATOGA’S SAVVIEST REAL ESTATE BROKER IS TAPPING INTO THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO SELL HOUSES—AND HIMSELF. n BY NATALIE MOORE

n the era of influencers and algorithms that sell us everything from skincare products to mushroom tea, it only makes sense that realtors would be using the power of social media to sell houses. Locally, real estate broker, pickleball enthusiast, and man about town Conner Roohan is leading the charge.

A Saratoga Springs High School grad, Conner has leaned into social media marketing in recent years. And I mean way in. He doesn’t just post Instagram carousels with pretty pictures of houses—he’s out here producing Wes Anderson–style shorts, Rocky-inspired “Eye of the Tiger” montages, and one-take drone walkthroughs. He lies in beds, lounges

it’s giving Conner Roohan dropping off a donation at the Saratoga Center for the Family, one of the 27 beneficiaries of his $10,000 giveaway.

by pools, and bellies up to bars, all in the name of showing off what Saratoga’s residential and commercial real estate scenes have to offer.

This past winter, Conner turned to social media not to sell a house, but to give away $10,000. He asked his followers to vote for their favorite local charity, and in the end, divvied his donation up between 27 of Saratogians’ favorite nonprofits.

If you know Conner, personally or from social media, you know he exudes confidence. Real estate, he knows, is as much about selling houses as it is about selling yourself. Luckily, he's pretty darn good at both.

How’d you get into real estate?

After college, I didn’t really have much of a plan, and I decided to get my real estate license. I was actually working as a busser at Circus Café when I sold my first house, and slowly built my business to where it is now. I’ve been licensed now for 11 years. I lowkey miss bussing tables, though.

Why have you dedicated so much time and energy to social media marketing?

For better or worse, people view social media as reality. If someone is posting all the time traveling, that’s what people are going to ask them about. If people post in the gym, that’s what people will ask them about. So I decided to gear my whole account around real estate.

What’s your real estate philosophy?

Don’t wait to buy real estate: Buy real estate and wait. A lot of people have been on the fence for a long time, and they’ve missed out. It’s expensive to buy a house, but I’m not sure that the other options are any better.

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