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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200483 269 Broadway Mixed Use SS Preservation Foundation Letter (2) Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation � luly ls, zo21 �]�'� Mr. Mark Torpey, Chair,Planning Board F o R�//�'/-�' Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair,Design Review Commission PRESERveTioN CityHall � 474 Broadway , _�.�� Saratoga Springs,NY 12866 �� �, RE: 269 Broadway—New Construction ^.� ., Dear Tamie and Mark, The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has reviewed the application for the Bo��•aor���•e�to�•s proposed mixed-use project at 269 Broadway. Adam Favro pres'aent The project site is located in a Local Historic District,which includes the Broadway James Goia Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also located vioepresid�t within 100 yards of the Congress Park, Canfield Casino, and Congress Park Historic L�naa L.xa�ey District, a designated National Historic Landmark—the highest honor of designation; the se�retary Drink Hall,which is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated Local Landmark; and the Church of Saint Peter, originally built in 1853 and �"tr'y Y�'`°iaye° remodeled several times. It is also immediatel ad�acent to the Sarato a Central Catholic Treasurer Y 1 g High School, built in 1953,which may be eligible for listing on the National Register of 7aimeButler H1StOT1C PIaCOS. Caroline Cardone Steven Dodds �o�anna�'o�-��o The Foundation is pleased that there is a plan to redevelop the vacant parceL However, it Jui'a�"nn has significant concerns about the proposed proj ect. Sandra Fox John Haller L�z israei Per the applicable sections of the Design Considerations of the City of Saratoga Springs �ouglas xerr Zonin Ordinance 7.4.9 for review for this ro�ect: Richard King g � p � Stephen Kyne vin�ent LaTe�a For actions subject to review, the Commission shall evaluate whether the proposed Dorothy Rogers-Bullis cinay spenoe alteration or construction is compatible with the subject structure, site and neighboring Jason rnomas properties in the Historic District with regard to: Matthew Veitch 7ames Kettlewell L�. H0lgllt em�ritus The Commission shall consider whether the height of the proposed structure is Exe�uti�e ni�•e�to�• compatible with the historic form and context of the site and neighboring samantnaBosshan properties and with any specific zoning district intent. Membership& Programs Director B. SCale Ni�o1e Babie The Commission shall consider whether the scale of the proposed structure is compatible with the relationship of the building and its architectural elements to neighboring structures, and character of historic setting. C. Mass and Open Space The Commission shall consider whether the relationship of the dimension and mass of a building to the open space between it and adjoining buildings is compatible with the character of the neighboring area and with any specific aoning district intent. u2 Spring Street,Suite 203 Saratoga Springs,NY i2866 P�i8-�8�-�030 www.saratogapreservation.org D. Proportion The Commission shall consider whether the proposed structure and its architectural elements,including front fa�ades,windows, doors and bays, are consistent with the dominant proportion of neighboring structures and site. E. Directional Expression The Commission shall consider whether the directional expression of a building and its architectural elements are compatible with the dominant horizontal or vertical expression of the neighboring buildings. F. Architectural Rhythm The Commission shall consider whether the architectural,rhythmic pattern resulting from repeated elements such as window and door openings, columns, arches, and other facade elements is consistent within the subject structure and consistent with neighboring structures. G.Front Setback The front yard setback far the building line of all new construction shall be compatible with neighboring buildings and any specific aoning district intent. L Treatment of Major Building Elements 3. Roofs. Roof designs for new structures shall be compatible with neighboring buildings. Exterior mechanical equipment shall be minimized and screened from view. J. Materials Materials used in new construction shall be compatible with those traditionally used in the neighboring area. Contemporary materials are acceptable provided that the overall texture, color and details of the building are compatible with neighboring buildings. K. Colors Colors used in new construction shall be compatible with neighboring buildings. Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction—New Buildings (underlines added for emphasis): • Architectural styles for new construction should reflect and represent the period in which it is built. The style of new construction should be compatible with surrounding buildings but should not give the false impression of being historic. Construction methods and inaterials can differentiate new construction from historic structures. • The placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with neighboring buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and fa�ade setback is recommended. • Buildin�inass should be a�ro�riate to the size of the lot. A lar�e lot can e� nerallv accommodate a lar�er structure,while a small structure is more appro�riate for a smaller lot. • Buildin�hei�ht and scale should be consistent with the existin� streetsca�e and nei�hborin�buildin��atterns. Historic streetscapes often have variation in buildin� scale and massin�that contribute to the visual interest and unique historic character of the street. Variation is�romoted, but extreme differences should be avoided. • Buildin�s with lar�e,uninterrupted massin� should be broken into smaller visual com�onents consistent with nei h� borin�buildin s�. • Rooflines and shapes should be consistent with surrounding historic structures. • New construction windows and doors should complement the window and door siaes,�atterns and rhvthm of nei h� borin�historic buildin�s. • Fa�ade rhvthm should maintain the vertical or horizontal emphasis that is prevalent on the street. • Primarv entrances to the buildin� should orient to the street and be well desi�nated. • New construction materials should be compatible with and complement the surrounding historic buildings.Natural materials are encouraged. Contemporary materials inay be used provided they do not negatively impact historic character of the neighboring buildings. The use of vinyl is discouraged. The architectural design of the building is a statement of its own time. However, the Foundation has si ni icant concerns about height, scale, and mass of the proposed structure. While the proposed project may relate to Park Place, there are extreme differences in height, scale, and mass of the buildings located on the same side of the street- including the Local Landmark Drink Hall as well as the Saratoga Central Catholic High School - as the proposed building. In addition, the Foundation has si ni icant concerns regarding the placement of the primary entrance for the majority of the building being located on the south elevation,not on the primary fa�ade that faces Broadway. This is not in-keeping with the City's Design Guidelines. Further, the ground floor commercial entrance on the primary facade is hidden from view. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration. Sincerely, ��� ����� Adam N. Favro Samantha Bosshart President Executive Director Cc: Bob & Gerard Moser,LLC, Owner Jamie Easton, Agent Susan Barden,Principal Planner Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner