HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190595 Adelphi Spa Hotel Parks and Rec Ltr 11-30-17 <EW YORK Parks, Recreation
STATE Of $
OPPORTUNITY and Historic Preservation
ANDREW M.CUOMO ROSE HARVEY
Governor Commissioner
November 20. 2017
Mr. Bradley Birge
Administrator of Economic Development & Planning
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Re: SEQRA
19 - 23 Washington Street - Adelphi Hotel and Spa
23 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. NY 12866
17PR07297
Dear Mr. Birge:
Thank you for requesting the comments of the Division for Historic Preservation of the Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) as part of your SEQRA process. These
comments are those of the Division for Historic Preservation and relate only to Historic/Cultural
resources. They do not include potential environmental impacts to New York State Parkland that
may be involved in or near your project. Such impact must be considered as part of the
environmental review of the project pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(New York Environmental Conservation Law Article 8) and its implementing regulations (6
NYCRR Part 617).
We have reviewed your submission dated October 23, 2017 for the Rip Van Dam Proposed
Expansion project. We note that the proposed project is located within the State and National
Register listed Broadway Historic District and that the Bethesda Parish House is a contributing
component to the historic district. We understand that the proposed project will include
construction of a six-story spa and hotel on a lot behind the Parish House building.
Based on this review, we have the following comments and concerns with regard to the
proposed new construction:
Parish House Rear Addition: the rear addition that is proposed for removal may be a significant
historic feature of the building. We recommend further research and physical investigation of the
structure to determine age and best approach to preservation/ restoration. It appears that there
may be several reversible alterations obscuring the older addition structure.
Parish House Interior: we are encouraged by the plan to incorporate the carriage house into the
new project. We recommend that significant interior features be retained to the greatest degree
possible while accommodating the new use.
New Construction: While the proposed building does take its cues from nearby historic
buildings, the facade appears to be inappropriately large and monolithic, threatening to
overpower the parish house and nearby historic buildings. The wide bracketed cornice, while
period appropriate, contributes to the top-heavy appearance. We recommend reducing the
overall height and including features that would visually reduce the facade mass. These may
include:
• Add an additional stone belt course at the third or fourth- floor level in line with that of the
church,
• Include a set-back for the upper floor or floors. Apply a simplified stone or wood cornice
at the level below the set-back.
if this project will involve state or federal permitting, funding or licensing, it may require a more
rigorous review for potential impacts to architectural and archaeological resources, in
accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act or Section 14.09 of NYS
Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
We would appreciate the any further submissions be provided via our Cultural Resource
Information System (CRIS) at www.nysparks.comishppionline-tools/ Once on the CRIS site, you
can log in as a guest and choose "submit" at the very top menu. Next choose "'submit new
information for an existing project". You will need this project number and your e-mail address.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at (518) 268-2164.
Sincerely,
Weston Davey
Historic Site Restoration Coordinator
weston.davey@parks.ny.gov via e-mail only
Division for Historic Preservation
P.O.Box 189,Waterford,New York 12188-0189 (518)237-8643 wviwnysparks.com