HomeMy WebLinkAbout269 Broadway - DRC Response Letter
November 10, 2021
Susan Barden
Principal Planner
Amanda Tucker
Senior Planner
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY
Regarding: Design Review Commission Advisory Opinion Letter Response
Dear Susan and Amanda,
Below are comments made on August 30, 2021 by the Design Review Commission. Our
responses are below, after each comment with how we addressed with the most current
design submission. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at
518-320-8250.
Consideration #1:
The commission finds that the revised design overwhelms the street. The modified step back
on the Hamilton façade of the building appears to be relatively successful in mitigating
impacts to that smaller scale neighborhood. A similar application is recommended along the
Broadway façade in order to create a softer effect that is much less overwhelming from the
pedestrian perspective. Additionally, there is concern with the height of the proposed
structure contextually, especially as it relates to the neighboring historic St. Peter’s Church
and the two-story bank building. The DRC encourages the applicants to explore creative
solutions and visual techniques in order to minimize the height and appearance of mass.
Response:
The sixth floor has been pushed back further to give more relief to the Broadway façade. The
height of the proposed building in relation to the neighboring building is contextually
consistent. The attached street cross section drawings will demonstrate the height of
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surrounding buildings both along Broadway and Hamilton in relation to their neighbors is a
similar condition with the proposed site.
Consideration #2:
As per the design guidelines, the main entrance should be clearly identified and oriented
toward Broadway, the main thoroughfare of the city. While there is a secondary entrance
along Broadway, this entrance should be more prominent and pedestrian friendly. The
proposed subterranean cavity entrance area gives a sense of unease, evoking neither a
welcoming or safe feeling. The DRC recommends that the entrance be at or above the
sidewalk level and a more pronounced addition to the streetscape.
Response:
The main entrance is located off Broadway with a 2-story atrium open space. A interior
central entrance that connects Broadway entry to the lobby has been added. The attached
renderings demonstrate the 2-story open space at the Broadway entrance.
Consideration #3:
The DRC requests the applicants to engage in further studies in order to analyze impacts of
mass and scale:
o Street cross section analysis – to better understand the street wall and the
relationship to the width of the street and the Park Place building across
Broadway.
o Sunlight study to understand how the sun tracks throughout the year.
Response:
Included with this letter, are cross sections of Broadway and Hamilton streetscape as well as
neighboring buildings that better show the relationship of the streetscape with mass and
scale throughout the Transect-6 district.
Sunlight studies will be provided in timelapse videos of the proposed building with the
surrounding streetscape of Broadway. The single day studies are at each equinox and
solstices throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Roman, RA, AIA, NCARB
Principal