HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190173 Grant Residence Correspondance (3) Saratop Springs
Preservation Foundation
March 4,2019
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
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PRESERVATION Design Review Commission
FOR 1f9/EARS City Hall
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7 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs,NY 12866
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RE: 149 Spring Street-Addition
Dear Tamie:
et The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application to construct an
addition to 149 Spring Street. This vernacular Greek Revival residence, circa 1860, is a
contributing building of the East Side Historic District listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Board of Directors
The Foundation has concerns about the project as it is currently proposed. The Historic
Matthew Veitch Review Ordinance Standards and Considerations as well as Historic District Design
President
Guidelines for New Construction and Roofs that should be followed are cited below.
James Gold
Vice President& The Historic Review Ordinance Standards 7.4.6 Design Considerations E. states:
Secretary Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties may be encouraged
Adam N.Favro provided it does not destroy significant historical,architectural,or cultural material and is
Treasurer compatible with the size, scale, color,material,and character of the site or surrounding
neighborhood. Incompatible alterations shall be discouraged.
Caroline Cardone
Brennan Drake
In addition, under 7.4.9 Design Considerations A.-K. of the Standards discuss the
Liz Israel compatibility with the proposed alteration or construction with the subject structure, site and
Samantha Kercull neighboring properties in regard to height, scale,mass and open space,proportion, directional
Douglas Kerr
expression, architectural rhythm, front setback,new construction and addition materials and
Richard King
Michelle Paquette-Deuel colors.
Cindy Spence
Dmitriy Yennolayev
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction-Additions:
James Kettlewell * Building additions should not look as though they are original to the historic
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building. They should be distinct from, and identifiable, as an addition to the
historic structure. Stepping down the roof line or stepping back from the primary
Samantha Bosshart façade may achieve this.
Executive Director
• An addition should be smaller in scale than the original building so that it does
Nicole Babie not overshadow the existing building. It should complement the original
Membership&Programs
building's roof form, massing,Director floor heights, proportion and window and door
fenestration.
• An addition should be located where it is least visible and designed to minimally
affect the perception of the original structure.
• Additions should not obscure, damage or destroy the character-defining features
of the primary building or streetscape.
• Additions should be constructed so that, if removed in the future, the historic
integrity of the building or its materials would not be irreparably damaged.
• Materials and details should be similar to, or complement, the primary structure.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-51130
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for Roofs:
• The original size, shape, and pitch of the roof should be maintained.
• Altering the roofline should be avoided if it redefines the architectural style of
the structure.
The Foundation has significant concerns about the scale and mass of the proposed addition
because it overshadows the original residence and irreversibly obscures the historic extension
of the house. The proposed balcony double-door is not in keeping with the historic door and
window fenestration. The Foundation recommends a single door with a separate double-hung
window. The Foundation recommends the use of wood for the balcony railing rather than
synthetic material.
The Foundation appreciates the investment that the homeowners are making to their historic
property.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
140Lef1/4r,
Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Jamie and Owen Grant,Owner
Brett Balzer,Balzer&Tuck Architecture, Architect
Bradley Birge, Administrator of the Office of Planning and Economic Development