16
BUSINESS
Week of February 10 – February 16, 2017
A New Life for Many at The Grove Saratoga Photos by MarkBolles.com.
by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — For Tim Barr, the decision to enjoy his retirement years at The Grove Saratoga was an easy one. The impressive architectural detail inside the building “makes me feel peaceful and calm,” explained the former Rotterdam resident and state worker, who has lived at The Grove since last August. During a recent visit, Barr was joined by another resident, Barbara Miller, who had lived in Canandaigua, NY before searching for the right place to retire in Saratoga Springs, closer to her son. She found it nearly a year ago at 233 Lake Avenue, home of The Grove. “Saratoga is a happening place and it’s fun to be a part of it,” offered Miller.
An available high-end apartment at The Grove.
According to Carol Buckley, property manager at The Grove, a majority of its several dozen current residents hail from places far beyond Saratoga Springs and are drawn to the city by its social life and lively arts scene. The
average age of residents at The Grove is 72, and they seem to be inspired by the clean environment and stress-free atmosphere nurtured by Buckley, concierge Marie Curpier and other staff members. “We’re really, simply, a beautiful apartment building,” Buckley said, adding that it’s “an honor” for her to be given this opportunity to “create the community.” At The Grove, there are a total of more than 70 apartments and ample parking, now that interior renovations and construction of the new East and West wings have been completed. About 50 apartments are located in the new sections, Buckley said. The apartments range in monthly rents from $1,900 for a one bedroom up to $3,900 for a two bedroom. They all have spacious rooms and dining areas, while many are full of natural light pouring in through oversized windows. Each apartment also
Mercedes Larsen (left) and Michael Cowan (with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Charlotte) relax in the Great Hall at The Grove.
Mary Racette sets the mood with some Bach in the Great Hall.
has full-size laundry machines conveniently situated in closets with large doors. Aside from gas and electric costs, Buckley said that all amenities The Grove has to offer are factored into the rents. These include Internet, cable, indoor pools, a movie theater, storage units and garages, an esthetician and masseuse on site, plus a shuttle service to bring residents shopping downtown
anytime or to the Saratoga Race Course in season. “There is a trend of homeowners who want to relieve themselves of the responsibility of owning a home. They want to travel and enjoy life without worrying about a house,” Buckley explained. Mercedes Larsen concurred, having relocated to The Grove in October 2015 after deciding to sell her property on Horseshoe Drive. For many years before living in Saratoga Springs, Larsen had called western Pennsylvania and Long Island home. “I’m pretty much a rolling stone,” Larsen said, as she reflected on her various moves. Her house on Horseshoe Drive became too difficult to maintain, and her three children have busy lives of their own. So starting anew at The Grove, Larsen added, was the next logical step. “You don’t downsize in stages,” she said. “You go all the way.”