Preservation Foundation honors Skidmore for North Broadway trees

Skidmore College has been recognized for contributing to the landscape of the City of Saratoga Springs after planting dozens of trees and making other improvements to its North Broadway entrance.

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation gave Skidmore its Landscape Initiative Award, one of several 2023 Preservation Recognition Awards that recognize city residents and organizations that have made notable contributions to preserving and enhancing the architecture, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.  

The 64 large native sycamore trees planted by Skidmore are part of a renovated entrance project that was supported by Alan and Marlene Gilbert, parents of alumna Jessica Strasser ’14.

“Lined with grand mansions, North Broadway historically had a double allée of trees, a row of trees planted close to the sidewalk and another row planted by the curb on each side of the street. Unfortunately, over time many of those trees were lost,” explained Samantha Bosshart, executive director of Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.

“While a double allée was not planted, the numerous trees planted by Skidmore College helped to return a significant landscape feature to one of Saratoga Springs' most prominent streets. The Foundation values its relationship with Skidmore College and is grateful that the College appreciates the historic character of our city.”

In addition to planting trees, Skidmore has installed new signage at the College’s main entrance, constructed new sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, built a new roundabout at the end of North Broadway, and made stormwater improvements. 

“Skidmore partnered with our neighbors, the Preservation Foundation, the City of Saratoga Springs, and local vendors to make this project happen,” said Dan Rodecker, Skidmore’s assistant vice president for facilities and planning.

“We’re grateful for this recognition from the Preservation Foundation and are excited that we can continue to work together for the benefit of our beautiful city.” 

assistant vice president for facilities and planning Dan Rodecker

Each of the sycamores planted in spring 2023 is 3 inches in diameter and extends more than 15 feet in height. The College also plans to plant more than 140 additional trees as part of its ongoing McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center project.  

Rodecker noted that both the entrance project and the McCaffery-Wagman project, which is scheduled for completion next year and will be LEED-certified, reflect Skidmore’s enduring commitment to sustainability — an overarching theme of Skidmore’s 2022 Campus Master Plan.  

In addition to trees, 1,000 shrubs and perennials will be planted as part of the McCaffery-Wagman project.

Rodecker and Director of Facilities Bruce Murray, who directly oversaw the entrance project and personally planted a number of the trees, accepted the Preservation Foundation award at a ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 13. 

“All of the new trees that Skidmore is planting are native species that will enrich our campus and beautify our city for decades and decades to come,” Murray said.