77 Van Dam Street
Architecture and History of Saratoga blog series
by commercial REALTOR®, Olivia Huffman, and Professor James Kettlewell
Originally school number 2, the monumental building at 77 Van Dam Street was constructed circa. 1895, at the height of the Victorian building boom, during a famous period in Saratoga’s history.
The structure is monumental, with a solid rock-faced ground floor, greek key motifs in the entablature and three dormer windows at the top of the building.
“This remarkable complex is a perfect example of construction during the Late Victorian phase,” says Professor James Kettlewell. “Perhaps at no other time in American history, including the present, have structures been so solidly built. While techniques have changed, the choice, and quantity, of materials creates a gravitas that is rarely equaled.”
The building served as a school, originally heated with coal. The facility was modernized in 1970s, with HVAC, electrical, windows and roof work.
Located at the end of Van Dam Street and just two blocks from Broadway, the building is an easy walk to City Hall, the Post Office and the City Center. Today, 77 Van Dam continues its 122+ year legacy as a hub of activity; it is home to a range of businesses including medical, educational and county offices.
Looking for commercial space?
Office spaces available at 77 Van Dam Street:
- 488 sqft space for $850/month – view listing
- 938 sqft space for $1,250/month – view listing
- 1,173 sqft space for $1,450/month – view listing
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About the Authors
Olivia Huffman is a commercial real estate agent at Roohan Realty with an interest in Saratoga’s history. Agent profile | Linkedin
Professor James Kettlewell graduated from Harvard Magna Cum Laude honors in the field of American Architecture. He began teaching at Harvard University and was a professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs for many years. He was also the curator at the Hyde Museum in Glens Falls. His book on Saratoga architecture (pictured above) is available at Lyrical Ballad bookstore on Phila Street in downtown Saratoga Springs and on Amazon. www.jameskettlewell.com | Get his book on Amazon