HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210788 42 Circular Area Variance DRC Narrative SDATELIER
ARCHITECTURE L.L.c.
511 BROADWAY,2ND FLOOR SARATOGA SPRINGS.N.V.12866
PH.5185873385/FAX 518 306 6048 SDATELIER COM
10-14-21
42 Circular Street
Project Narrative for DRC Advisory Opinion:
Original house
The house is listed as a contributing building to the East Side district on National Register of
Historic Places. It is considered a High Italianate Victorian Villa style built in 1874.
In consideration of this, the intention is to maintain and repair the original structure and bring it
back as a single family residence that will meet the needs of the current Owner.
Windows
The existing windows on the residence are original. It is the intent of the client to repair windows
where possible. The new windows will be by Marvin. In some instances, the original openings
were discovered after the building was gutted. The intent is to provide new windows for the
original openings. They will replace locations of windows that were modified over time. This is
indicated on the exterior elevations.
Front Door
The original front door is currently being restored. The intention is to maintain the original front
door and have it reinstalled.
Siding
The original siding is to remain. In the instances, where siding needs to be replaced, the siding
will match in kind and exposure. The exterior is scheduled to be painted.
Rear Addition and Rear Window modifications
While the client is fully invested in maintaining critical features of the original house, they are
trying to provide a rear entry addition and rear porch to the exterior and new stairs to the
basement to accommodate today's lifestyle. The proposed addition is indicated with the
materials that will match with the existing residence. The pressure treated deck is that presently
exists is not original and is in poor condition and will be removed.
The new rear porch will have posts similar in style to the front porch to be built out of wood or
Boral with chamfered posts and a wider post base.
The exterior rear doors will be Therma-tru or equal as indicated.
.. THERMA—TF • • • • • •
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openings where possible. At the rear, there is currently a rear door which does not go anyplace.
The proposed addition will provide a new balcony for the original door.
On the second floor, new window openings are proposed to allow for light and ventilation as
required by code for the proposed bedroom. These opening will be located above the original
window locations on the first floor.
The proposed windows are to be tall vertical 2 over 2 double hung windows that will be
consistent with the original windows.
Proposed Carriage House Style Garage
There is presently no garage or carriage house for the property. Apparently, the Beagle school
was formerly the structure affiliated with the original residence. (based on the Sanborn Maps)
Thus, the style is reflective of the orginal structure and includes a cupola with an arched vent.
The new design is to reflect a carriage house style garage to accommodate one car. The side
addition is for an exercise room for the client. The cupola is reflective of the tower element found
on the Original house and to emphasize the vertical nature of the original house.
The new exercise room has shed roof similar to the original Beagle School building and is
designed to over look the new gardens as designed by Redbud Design Landscape Architecture.
Proposed Landscape Plan
The proposed site plan indicates the new driveway and plant materials as proposed by Redbud
Design Landscape Architecture.
The current condition of the landscape is consists of a poorly graded driveway, walks that are in
disrepair and plant materials that are completely overgrown.
The new design includes is a full overhaul of the property with the goal of bringing back the
character of the historic landscape while providing the owner with the outdoor living spaces they
desire.
Front Yard (West Side)
Elements here include a new (24) inch tall, historic style ornamental iron fence near the city
sidewalk split by a new bluestone walk leading to the house.
The entrance driveway will be a rustic granite curb and matching cobble inlay courtyard large
enough to park two cars for guest parking.
Driveway Courtyard (South Side)
The driveway courtyard or parking area leading to the proposed single car garage will be edged
with the same historic granite as described before and then the driveway itself will be finished
with a yellowish pea gravel. To complete the courtyard feel and develop privacy between the
house to the south there will be a (6) foot tall solid fence. The fence will be planted with a
combination of decidous trees, shrubs and perennials.
Rear Yard (East Side)
The fence, as previously described, will run the eastern property line and will be planted with a
combination of shrubs and perennials. The interior space of the backyard will be a combination
of bluestone patio and walks to match those at the front entrance, a raised brick wall and natural
gas fireplace and a simple outdoor grilling space.
North Side Property Line
At this side there will be a limited amount of fence, as previously described, installed to enhance
privacy between the two houses fronting Circular Street. A combination of privacy plantings and
and perennials will be installed to complete the landscape.
General Plant Materials
In general the a large portion of the plant materials selected harken back to a more historic time
in Saratoga with the use of Flowering Dogwood, Annabelle Hydrangea, English Boxwood, Ferns,
Peonies, Lavendar and Yarrow.
The new hardscaping elements such as new bluestone walks and patios, a historic granite cobble
edged driveway, historic granite cobble inlay at the street, gravel courtyard at the east side of the
house, driveway pillars with entry gates to help separate the front yard from the driveway
courtyard