HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190026 Willard Residence Correspondance Saratoga Springc
Preservation Foundation
February 27, 2019
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Commission
City
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474 Broadway
PRESEfRVATION
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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. 41 RE: 832 North Broadway—Demolition and New Construction
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Dear Tamie:
, The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has reviewed the application to demolish
, ( the existing structure at 832 North Broadway and new construction. The application only
, . .
provides photographs of 766 North Broadway, which is not adjacent nor representative of
the historic context of the street.
Board of Directors The project is located within the Broadway Historic District listed on the National
Register of Historic Places,which has a period of significance from 1865— 1920. North
Matthew Veiteh
President Broadway is a wide, tree-lined street with large landscaped lots with residences of
varying architectural styles -Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Romanesque,
James Gold Shingle, and Colonial Revival—set far back from the street,
Vice President&Secretary
Adam N,Favro The existing circa 1960's single-story ranch style residence is a non-contributing
Treasurer
building. Therefore,the Foundation does not object to the demolition of the building.
Caroline Cardone
Brennan Drake Per Section 7.4.9 Design Considerations in the Saratoga Springs Historic Review Zoning
Sandra Fox
Liz Israel Ordinance, "the Commission evaluates whether the proposed alteration or construction is
Samantha Kercull compatible with the subject structure, site and neighboring properties in the Historic
Douglas Kerr District with regard to height, scale, mass and open space,proportion, directional
Richard King
Michelle Paquette-Deuel expression, architectural rhythm, front setback, new construction and additions, materials
Cindy Spence and colors." These considerations specifically state that the proposed construction should
Dmitriy Yerrnolayev
be compatible with the context site, neighboring properties, and character of the historic
setting/neighboring area.
James Kettlewell
emeritus
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction—New Buildings:
•
Executive Director Architectural styles for new construction should reflect and represent the period in
Samantha Bosshart which it is built. The style of new construction should be compatible with
Mbhsurrounding buildings but should not give the false impression of being historic.
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Programs rector
Construction methods and materials can differentiate new construction from historic
Di
Nicole Babie structures,
• The placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with
neighboring buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and facade setback is
recommended.
• Building mass should be appropriate to the size of the lot. A large lot can generally
accommodate a larger structure, while a small structure is more appropriate for a
smaller lot,
• Building height and scale should be consistent with the existing streetscape and
neighboring building patterns. Historic streetscapes often have variation in building
scale and massing that contribute to the visual interest and unique historic character
1/2 Spring Strcct, Suite 203 of the street. Variation is promoted, but extreme differences should be avoided.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-5030
• Buildings with large, uninterrupted massing should be broken into smaller visual
components consistent with neighboring buildings.
• Rooflines and shapes should be consistent with surrounding historic structures.
• New construction windows and doors should complement the window and door
sizes, patterns and rhythm of neighboring historic buildings.
• Facade rhythm should maintain the vertical or horizontal emphasis that is prevalent
on the street.
• Porches are a significant architectural feature and typical of residences in Saratoga
Springs. Porches, appropriate to the mass and scale of the building, are encouraged in
new construction.
• Primary entrances to the building should orient to the street and be well designated.
• New construction materials should be compatible with and complement the
surrounding historic buildings. Natural materials are encouraged. Contemporary
materials may be used provided they do not negatively impact historic character of
the neighboring buildings. The use of vinyl is discouraged.
The Foundation supports contemporary design that adheres to the Design Considerations
and the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction—New Buildings.
Upon review,the Foundation does not feel that the proposed new construction is in
keeping with the considerations and guidelines. Specifically, the Foundation has the
following concerns:
• The placement and orientation of the building do not appear to maintain a
consistent streetscape and facade setback.
• The building lacks of a well-designated primary entrance that is oriented to the
street.
• The facade windows and doors sizes,patterns, and rhythm of the building do not
complement those of neighboring historic buildings.
• The vertical emphasis of the facade is not in keeping with what is prevalent on
the street.
• While the building incorporates porches, it lacks a front porch, which is a
prevalent and significant feature of houses located on North Broadway.
It is difficult to understand how the proposed set-back, height, and scale relate to existing
houses of North Broadway and the character of the historic setting. The Foundation
recommends that the Design Review Commission request additional information
regarding these aspects of the project prior to rendering a decision.
The Foundation appreciates the time and investment that the applicant is making to
redevelop the property.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
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Matthew E. Veitch Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Bill Willard, Owner
Bradley Birge,Administrator of the Office of Planning and Economic Development