Sagamore Farm, originally owned by Alfred Vanderbilt, has a rich history connected with thoroughbred racing in Maryland. Founded in 1925 by Issac Emerson, the inventor of Bromo-Seltzer, the farm was bequeathed to Alfred in 1933 by his mother Margaret, who was Emerson's daughter. Under Vanderbilt's legendary guidance the farm was internationally recognized as a premier training and breeding facility for the next half century. The Queen of England herself kept a broodmare on the property during its heyday.

Since founded, Sagamore Farm has held international recognition as a premier breeding and training ground in the thoroughbred industry. The farm’s most famous equine resident was Native Dancer. Known to the public at large as the Galloping Grey Ghost, Native Dancer went 21 for 22 during his racing career which spanned from 1952 to 1954. Considered one of the greatest race horses of all time, he embodies all the farm was and will be. The client was clear about the goal for the farm, saying simply, "We are looking for winners, period. That's our only goal."

Partnering with Blackburn Architects, McKee Carson provided project direction, visioning and site design services for the restoration and renovation of Sagamore Farm to meet the needs of a modern equine facility. With a careful eye and a measured respect for the history of the farm, McKee Carson sought to reveal rather than create, with the recognition that the significance of Sagamore Farm is in the physical elements that constitute the farm and tie it to its past.