HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210082 Kovachick Porch Railings Letter Preservation Foundation
March 1,2021
Ms.Tamie Ehinger,Chair
Design Review Commission
F 0 R 12 O City Hail
PRESERVATION 474 Broadway
±r Saratoga Springs,NY 12866
RE: I 84 Phila Street—Porch Modifications
A'C'V
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the porch
modifications at 184 Phila Street.
The Lewis L.James house located at 184 Phila Street is a contributing building of the East
Side Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built circa 1870 and
Board of Directors designed by architect Rufus Dorn,the residence is one of the finest examples of High
Victorian Gothic architecture in Saratoga Springs.
Adam N.Favro
President The Foundation is pleased with the extensive,in-kind porch restoration that the applicants
James Gold undertook. However, the Foundation is extremely disappointed that the brick porch piers and
Vice President the wood stairs were replaced without Design Review Commission approval. This is
unfortunate since the applicants are long-time residents who are familiar with the review
Linda Harvey-Opiteck process within a historic district since their three car garage received approval from the
Secretary Design Review Commission.
Dmitriy Yermolayev
Treasurer The changes do not comply with the City of Saratoga Springs Historic Review Ordinance
Jaime Butler Standards and Design Guidelines.
Caroline Cardone
Giovanna D'Orazio The Historic Review Ordinance Standards 7.4.7 Actions Subject to Review:
Steven Dodds A. Construction,rehabilitation,alteration or exterior changes to a structure that requires
Julia Dunn
Sandra Fox the issuance of a building or demolition permit.
John Haller D. Regardless of the requirement for building or demolition permit, any material
Liz Israel changes to the exterior changes of a structure that affects the historical characteristics
Douglas Kerr
Richard King and context of the District including:
Stephen Kyne 1. Addition or removal of exterior architectural features
Vincent LaTema 2. Installation,removal or change of materials on exterior building elements including
William McCarthy
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis but not limited to roof,siding, windows,doors,porches, and the like.
Cindy Spence E. Within a front yard setback:
Jason Thomas 1. Installation, removal or change in material of drive-or walkways
Matthew Veitch
The Historic Review Ordinance Standards 7.4.6 Design Considerations:
James Kertlewell A. Preserve rather than remove
emeritus Distinguishing original features of a structure or site are essential to the historic
quality and character of that site. Distinguishing original qualities or character of a
Executive Director structure, site and/or its environment shall be preserved and protected to the
Samantha Bosshart maximum extent possible. Destruction or alteration of any historic material or
Membership& distinctive architectural feature should be avoided.
Programs Director B. Repair rather than replace
Nicole Bahie Distinctive architectural features that characterize a structure or site shall be repaied
rather than replaced whenever possible. If replacement is necessary,the replacement
materials should match the original in composition,design,color,texture and other
visual qualities.
C. Promote historic accuracy
112 Spring Srrert. Suite 2113
Sar.ito;_.i Spring.. NY 12806
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D. Structures and sites should be recognized and preserved as products of specific
historical period(s). Changes that occurred over time are evidence of the history and
development of a structure or site and may have acquired historical significance in
their own right.
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for Porches:
Porches
• Every effort should be made to preserve an original or historic porch including
the original size, design, and materials. Demolition of an existing porch is to be
avoided.
• A porch and its elements, replaced due to severe deterioration, should match the
original in size, shape, rhythm, dimensions,material, and quality. Duplication is
preferred. Keep original elements to use as a pattern. If duplication is not
possible, try to locate features at an architectural salvage location.
• The use of natural materials is preferred.
• Materials and details should be similar to, or complement, the primary structure.
The new granite stone piers and wood stairs are not based on any historic documentation nor
are they consistent with the design,color,texture, and visual qualities of the historic wood
steps and brick porch piers. The material and design of the current stairs (which lack hand
railings)are appropriate for a suburban residence,not for one of the finest examples of High
Victorian Gothic architecture in Saratoga Springs. The Foundation strongly recommends that
the piers be restored to brick and the stairs be restored to wood.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Adam Favro Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: JiII Kovachik, Owner
Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner