A New Lease on Life: Redbud Revives the Past with Purpose
As one of the Capital Region’s oldest cities, Saratoga is admired for its architectural beauty and rich charm. Many of its buildings carry the same character they did when first constructed. However, like any old structure, preserving the architecture requires unwavering attention to detail and a continuous effort in restoration and upkeep.
Since 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has worked tirelessly to protect the architectural history of the city. Every year, the organization recognizes those who invest in preservation projects at their Preservation Recognition Awards ceremony. This year, the Exterior Rehabilitation Award was presented to owners of 42 Circular Street, Julie and Thomas Furey. This project would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Fureys, SD Atelier Architecture, and Redbud Development, Inc.
A Commitment to Timeless Beauty
Celebrating their 20th anniversary in August of this year, Redbud Development is a design-build firm owned by Geffrey (Geff) Redick and his wife Karen Redick. Founded on the principles of creativity, integrity, and reliability, Geff and his team have always focused on keeping the client’s needs and interests at the forefront of every project. “We’re very focused on collaborating with our clients to understand who they are, what their goals are, and then creating a design that reflects their vision. And ultimately implementing the construction of the project to make sure all details are correct,” Geff shared.
When Geff was approached about the house on Circular Street, he knew it would be challenging while also rewarding. “It’s one of only seven houses that overlook Congress Park. The house and property were in very bad shape, and the owners had a desire to completely renovate the entire property and bring it back to its original glory,” said Geff. The property is in one of Saratoga Springs’ historic districts, which means it must adhere to a set of rules that are stricter than for other properties in the city. This means that both the Saratoga City Planning and Zoning Office have oversight, as well as the Design Review Commission. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation can also influence the design by providing feedback and recommendations to the Design Review Commission.
The Italianate-style residence was originally built in 1872 by Mary Shepherd. The stately structure has pitched roofs, wide overhanging eaves with decorative brackets, symmetrical facades, tall narrow windows, and a square fourth-story tower reminiscent of an Italian farmhouse. Mary Shepherd passed away only three years after completion, but the property remained in the Shepherd family until 1902. It was then owned by several private and institutional owners over the years, including Skidmore and Verrazzano Colleges. In the mid-1970s, a private owner converted the house into apartments. The house and property were not maintained well during this period. When the Fureys purchased the property in 2020, it was in severe disrepair, but they were determined to restore the house. During the initial design consultation, Geff learned that in addition to restoring the house, the Fureys also wanted to add an addition to the rear of the house and build a carriage house that would include a small gym, single-car parking, and a second-story storage space. The Fureys also desired an English-style garden space in the backyard, vehicle parking, the ability to drive off the property without backing out onto the street, privacy from the neighbors, and miscellaneous other elements. “Once we really understood the client’s goals, we collaborated with SD Atelier Architecture and the homeowner to come up with a comprehensive design for the property,” explained Geff.
Crafted Collaboration
SD Atelier and Redbud coordinated with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to ask for their input on the architectural details, fencing, hardscaping elements, and plant materials. The design team then presented the drawing package to the Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission and ultimately received their approval.
When the Fureys were notified by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation that they would be receiving the Exterior Rehabilitation Award, they knew that they wanted Redbud Development, SD Atelier, and ACW Builders to receive the acknowledgment they deserved for all of their hard work during the design and renovation of the property. “The owner wanted to make sure that we were there for this presentation because she recognized that all of us were integral to the success of the project. The ceremony demonstrated how many people care about the preservation work that occurs in Saratoga as they all celebrated together. “I realized how involved the community is with the Preservation Foundation,” Geff says. “There were almost 100 people there who are very interested in preserving the history of Saratoga. It was actually quite rewarding to be a part of it.”
He went on to explain how much it means for his business to receive this kind of recognition. “We take a lot of pride in what we do, so when a prominent association recognizes what it takes to design and construct a project of this magnitude and then gives it an award, it really feels fantastic. It was a great event for us.”
Standing the Test of Time
With two decades of excellence and multiple prestigious awards, Redbud has been setting the standard in landscape design, curating stunning yards and outdoor spaces throughout the Capital Region, including the Hudson Valley, Great Sacandaga Lake, and Lake George areas. With a trusted network of subcontractors, Redbud delivers unparalleled quality and a refined, tailored approach to every project.
To learn more about Redbud Development Inc. and their award-winning design process, visit their website at redbuddevelopment.com.
