What's New: Washington Crossing

Details of new custom homes pay tribute to Saratoga history

Washington Crossing is an inner-city neighborhood blending older homes with custom-built houses. It is nine blocks west of Broadway between Washington and Church streets, in the Saratoga Springs City School District. The architectural style was chosen to emulate the flavor of Saratoga on the east side, homes that were built at the turn of the century with Craftsman-style details, inviting front porches, deeper roof overhangs and stone accents. A total of 48 homes are planned.
   
Base prices: $379,000-$488,000. Soon to introduce a new series priced between $330,000 and $350,000.

Standard features: Two-car garages with carriage-style doors; enhanced landscape package; granite countertops in kitchen; Frigidaire stainless appliances; 9-foot ceilings on first floor; full basements; brick paver sidewalks; concrete driveways; passive radon mitigation system; Energy-Star certified; 98 percent efficient continuous water heater; central air; humidifier; oak hardwood flooring in foyer, stairs, kitchen, breakfast area, great room and dining room; ceramic tile in all baths; laundry and mudrooms; brushed-nickel door hardware; Closet Maid shelving; underground utilities; gas fireplace.

Popular upgrades: Hardwoods in the master for an additional $13.50 per square foot, tray ceilings for additional $1,300, crown molding in dining room for additional $600, tile backsplash in kitchen for additional $950, wiring package for high-definition television for $240, Whirlpool tub for additional $3,000.

Closest shopping: Located in the heart of Saratoga's West side, a block from West Avenue, with shops, restaurants, and services such as dry cleaners, pharmacies and car washes. Eight blocks to Franklin Square; nine blocks to downtown Saratoga's Broadway, library, art galleries and museums. Beekman Street Arts District is within five blocks. Within blocks of Saratoga Hospital and train station.

Recreation: New YMCA is blocks away; West Side Recreation Park with tennis, basketball, ballfields and a wading pool with picnic tables. Two miles to Saratoga Spa State Park, which includes Saratoga Performing Arts Center and two golf courses, winter ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Twenty minutes to Moreau State Park with hiking, boating, camping, swimming and fishing.

About the builder: Founded in 1998, DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. is the collaboration of two experienced craftsman with more than 50 years combined experience building custom homes. Located in Charlton, they have built throughout the Capital Region and have six new-home neighborhoods in which they are building. They are 100 percent Energy Star builders and embrace green construction technology. While their passion is residential home building, they also are experienced in historic rehabilitation and renovation, light commercial and remodeling. They specialize in modifying plans to avoid repetitious house designs and to meet home buyers' needs. Lee De Graff is available to meet with buyers to establish the design and lot selection process, and Mark Bloom visits each home to set up a new home service visit and establish a follow-up schedule.

Driving directions: Take Northway to Exit 14; go west on Route 9P past Saratoga Race Course. Turn right on Circular Street and left on Spring Street. Turn right on Broadway, left on Washington, then right on Central into Washington Crossing.

Schools: Saratoga Springs City School District. Elementary students attend Division Street Elementary. Area private schools include the Waldorf School, Saratoga Independent School and Saratoga Central Catholic High School

Taxes: $23.33 per $1,000 is the current tax rate for school and county. Total taxes range from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the size of the home and the amenities it offers.