At a recent Saratoga County Board of Supervisors meeting, Mechanicville Town Supervisor and Historic Hudson – Hoosic Rivers Partnership Chair Tom Richardson unveiled the design of a new regional visitors center that is to be constructed near Fort Hardy Park in the Village of Schuylerville.

The Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center is hoped to serve as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development and community revitalization in Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington counties and to introduce locals and travelers alike to the historically significant and culturally unique destinations in the Champlain Canal Region of Lakes to Locks Passage.

Construction of the timber frame structure, inspired by the architectural stylings of the nearby Schuyler House, is slated to begin in September 2016. The building work will be completed in part by the Timber Framers Guild, an organization dedicated to the art and science of timber framing.

The Gateway Visitor Center has been chosen by the Guild as their Community Building Project for 2016, and will be used to educate volunteers and the public in timber framing as they build and raise a timber frame structure for a local community. More information can be found here.

Photo of The Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center concept design provided.