Saratoga Polo Auction

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This 42.7+/- acre landmark equestrian property includes the historic Whitney Polo Field – one of the four oldest polo fields in the United States. Approved mixed-use PUD allows for up to 284,000 sf, and may include 90 +/- residences, boutique hotel, spa, restaurant (s) and banquet facility. All engineering in final stages. Previously appraised at over $6,700,000 the auction also includes an existing event business that includes the polo attraction as well as hosting weddings and corporate events, an established equestrian polo attraction & brand, with club house and facility. Property is located within five (5) minutes to all major Saratoga Springs attractions that generate millions of visitors annually.

Saratoga Springs is an equidistant drive of just about three hours from New York and Boston. Saratoga is the perfect day or weekend trip for residents of those major metropolitan areas as well as Montreal and the cities of Western and Central New York such as Albany, Syracuse Rochester, and Buffalo.

Saratoga Springs, the historic Victorian city in Upstate New York, has been attracting visitors since the 1700's. Renowned as a health resort and dubbed, the 'Queen of Spas'. With more than 1,000 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, Saratoga Springs was honored with the first American Heritage Magazine “Great American Place” award and the National Trust for Historic Places’ “Great American Main Street” award. Walking Magazine cited it as one of America’s “Most Walkable Cities.”

Thoroughbred racing has no finer setting than the Saratoga Race Course, which was opened over 150 years ago. Named one of the world’s greatest sporting venues by Sports Illustrated, the past comes alive in the historic grandstand every summer as fans experience not only the best in racing, but the unmatched ambience and charm of historic Saratoga Springs.

The oldest thoroughbred racetrack in the U.S. draws, on average, 30,000 daily racing fans and visitors during the seven week race season in July through Labor Day. Total paid attendance for the 2015 Saratoga meet was 1,065,625. Many will consider the signature moment of the meet the 2015 Travers when a paid, sold-out crowd of 50,000 fans gathered to watch the first Triple Crown champion compete at Saratoga Race Course in 37 years.

The Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning status provides for broad zoning and a variety of allowable uses on the property including residential, and commercial. Approved commercial uses include hospitality (i.e. a boutique hotel or inn), amenities (i.e. pool and spa) , catering and dining options and the maintenance of the polo operations and special events as the community theme.

Great care was taken in the entitlements process to allow for maximum flexibility and the ability to optimize profits. The three main components contained in the PUD are as follows:

Allows for 284,000 total buildable square feet above grade
Mixed use - residential and/or commercial
Open space with 80/20% permeable to impermeable surfaces
Maximum height of 37 feet

The plan was envisioned as a creative and viable means of preserving an important community asset: the historic Whitney Polo Field established in 1898 and operated continuously until the late 1930s. This field is one of the four oldest polo fields within the United States.

The development can include high-end private multi-unit residences. The community will share common space, with an array of services and recreational amenities, including enjoyment of the seasonal polo matches. Conceptually, the intent for the design of the facilities was to create a relaxing retreat and atmosphere consistent with the Saratoga lifestyle.

The following are permitted uses within the Planned Unit Development.

Associated Lodging – use of residences that can be rented for temporary lodging for events associated with polo activities, banquet hall, and lodge usage.
Banquet Hall – eloquent facility designed to host receptions, dinners, and other social or corporate events.
Catering Facilities – commercial kitchen and related facilities designed to meet catering needs of on and off-site events.
Clubhouse – recreational facility which will house a bar, a pub-style restaurant, commercial kitchen, and retail shop.
Food Concessions – sale of food for outdoor consumption during polo and other events.
Residences - deeded ownership of residential units including the opportunity for whole or fractional ownership.
Lodge (retreat and conference center) – building to be used for commercial, residential, spa, recreational and fitness purposes.
Recreational and Commercial Uses - uses of enclosed and open space areas include arts and crafts, antique auto shows, festivals, weddings, and concerts.
Spa - an establishment providing personal fitness and restorative services including massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials.
Team Rooms - facilities for polo players.

The Saratoga Polo Retreat is envisioned to be an amenity-rich residential lifestyle community surrounded by the historic Whitney Field and the sport of polo - located just minutes from all the excitement that Saratoga Springs has to offer. Plans for the Saratoga Polo Retreat also include event space for wedding, social and corporate events, guest lodging, a spa, fitness facility and pool(s).... all within an equidistant three to four hour drive from New York City, Boston, Montreal and Western New York.