HomeMy WebLinkAbout20221015 671 N Broadway preservation foundation Saratoga Springs
Preservation Foundation
�//' December 7, 2022
F o xS YxES E i Ms. Tamie Ehin er, Chair
RVATVAT 10N g
Fox jr-YEARS Design Review Commission
City Hall
f� 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs,NY 12866
RE: 671 North Broadway—Demolition and New Construction
Dear Tamie:
Board or Directors The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the proposed
Michele M.Funiciello demolition and new construction at 671 North Broadway.
President
Sheila Sperling The project is located in the Broadway Historic District listed on the National Register of
Vice President Historic Places. The period of significance for the district is 1865 — 1920. North
Linda L.Harvey Broadway is a wide street that is lined with grand Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial
secretary Revival style "cottages" set on spacious grounds. There are few modern buildings that
Stephen Kyne intrude upon the architectural consistency of North Broadway.
Treasurer
Tiffany Blair This property is the former site of the residence of William A. Shepard, built circa 1878.
Steven Dodds The large two-and-a-half-story, wood frame residence was purchased by Amos F. Eno in
Giovanna D'Orazio
Julia Dunn 1909. He was the son of Amos R. Eno, a real estate developer and capitalist of New York
Adam N.Favro City who amassed a fortune of more than$20 million prior to his death in 1898. Like his
John Hauer Vincent LaTciTa father,Amos F.Eno was a real estate developer. Upon his death in 1915>he donated a vast
Patty Morrison amount of his fortune to Columbia University. Sometime between 1915 and 1948 the
Samantha
Nass
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis house located at 677 North Broadway was removed from the site.
ger
Jason Thomas
Maddy Zanetti In 1976, a two-story contemporary style house was constructed on the lot. In 1995,James
James Kettlewell Dorsey acquired the property. He proceeded to subdivide the lot into two parcels and move
emeritus the contemporary style house to front Woodlawn Avenue. In 1996, the existing two-and-
Staff half-story residence at 671 North Broadway was constructed. It is a non-contributing
Samantha Bosshart structure to the historic district. Therefore, the Foundation does not object to the
Executive Director demolition of the building.
Nicole Babie
Membership&Programs Per 13.9 Design Review of the Unified Development Ordinance,the Design Review Board
Director will evaluate whether the proposed alteration or construction is compatible with the subject
Jacqueline Bunge structure,site and neighboring properties in the historic district with regard to height,scale,
Events&Programs
Coordinator mass and open space, proportion, directional expression, architectural rhythm, front
Patricia Herrick setback, new construction and additions, treatment of major building elements (doors,
Bookkeeper windows,roofs), materials and colors.
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction—New Buildings:
• Architectural styles for new construction should reflect and represent the period in
which it was 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 materials can differentiate new construction from
historic structures.
112 Spring Street,Suite 203
Saratoga Springs,NY 12866
(518)587-5030
vctivw.saratogapreservation.org
• The placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with
neighboring buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and facade setback is
recommended.
• Building mass should be appropriate to the size of the lot. A large lot can generally
accommodate a larger structure, while a small structure is more appropriate for a.
smaller lot.
• Building height and scale should be consistent with the existing streetscape and
neighboring building patterns. Historic streetscape often have a variation in
building scale and massing that contribute to the visual interest and unique historic
character of the street. Variation is promoted, but extreme difference should be
avoided.
• Buildings with large, uninterrupted massing should be broken into smaller visual
components consistent with neighboring buildings.
• Rooflines and shapes should be consistent with surrounding historic structures.
• New construction windows and doors should complement the window and door
size,patterns and rhythm of neighboring historic buildings.
• Facade rhythm should maintain the vertical or horizontal emphasis that is prevalent
on the street.
• Porches are a significant architectural feature and typical of residences in Saratoga
Springs. Porches appropriate to the mass and scale of the building,are encouraged
in new construction.
• Primary entrances to the building should orient to the street and be well designated.
• New construction materials should be compatible with and complement the
surrounding historic buildings. Natural materials are encouraged. Contemporary
materials may be used provided they do not negatively impact the historic
character of the neighboring buildings. The use of vinyl is discouraged.
The Foundation had significant concerns with the initially proposed design of the new
residence as it was not in keeping with the historic context of North Broadway. Today,the
Foundation reviewed the revised elevation drawings. The proposed design is a significant
improvement. The style, orientation, setback, mass, height, scale, roof shape, facade
rhythm and window and door fenestration are more consistent with the historic context of
the neighborhood.
Per the 13.9. H. Historic Review Standards,
J. Materials
Materials used in new construction must be compatible with those traditionally
used in the neighboring area. Contemporary materials may be acceptable provided
that the overall texture, color, and details of the building are compatible with
neighboring buildings.
k. Colors
Architectural features of historic buildings must be restored with colors and
finishes appropriate to the nature of the materials and to the historic character of
the building. Where historically documented colors are not used, colors must be
appropriate to the building's predominant architectural style(s). Colors used in
new construction must be compatible with neighboring buildings.
Bolding and underline added for emphasis
The Foundation requests more detailed information regarding:
• the trim profile for windows, doors, and cornice, including the brackets,
• porch columns and capitals
• material specifications for the roof, windows, doors, and light fixtures, and
• color of the brick.
Lastly,the Foundation strongly objects to a circular driveway. It is not in-keeping with
the historic context of the neighborhood.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
iq-J, -�q PL�'
Michele M. Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Maria Biagini, Owner
Matt Hurff,Architect
Aneisha Samuels-Sanford,Senior Planner,Office of Planning and Economic Development