HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230263 Exterior Mods 95 Van Dam Exterior Modifications OtherBoard of Directors
Michele M. Funiciello
President
Sheila Sperling
Vice President
Linda L. Harvey
Secretary
Stephen Kyne
Treasurer
Tiffany Blair
Steven Dodds
Giovanna D’Orazio
Julia Dunn
Adam N. Favro
John Haller
Vincent LaTerra
Patty Morrison
Samantha Nass
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis
Jason Thomas
Maddy Zanetti
James Kettlewell
emeritus
Staff
Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Nicole Babie
Membership & Programs
Director
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
May 3, 2023
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Commission
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 95 Van Dam Street – Exterior Modifications
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the exterior
modifications at 95 Van Dam Street.
The circa 1880 three bay, front-gable brick residence at 69 Van Dam Street is late Italianate
that features a decorative jigsaw ornament in the gables, brick window hoods, soldier brick
belt course, and a full-width porch that retains many of the its original features – chamfered
columns, turned wood balustrade, and decorative brackets and scrollwork. It is a
contributing building to the West Side Historic District listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and located in an Architectural Review District.
The Foundation appreciates the significant investment that Rise Housing & Support
Services is making in the historic building that they own. The Foundation has no issues
with a majority of the proposed exterior changes. However, it does have concerns
regarding the proposed rehabilitation of the porch and installation of the fence.
Per the Historic Design Guidelines for Porches and Decks:
PORCHES
• Every effort should be made to preserve an original or historic porch including the
original size, design and materials. Demolition of an existing porch is to be
avoided.
• A porch and its elements, replaced due to severe deterioration, should match the
original in size, shape, rhythm, dimensions, material and quality. Duplication is
preferred. Keep original elements to use as a pattern. If duplication is not possible,
try to locate features at an architectural salvage location.
• The use of natural materials is preferred. The use of pressure treated wood is
appropriate for concealed substructure. Exposed or painted pressure treated wood
is discouraged.
• Latticework and skirting boards, when used, should be placed in a frame.
• The use of natural materials is preferred.
• Original or historic balustrade design may not need to be adapted to meet the
building code. The use of booster rails may be an appropriate solution to making
the original balustrade code compliant. Replacement balustrade should be limited
to the minimum height required by code, unless the original or historic balustrade
was higher.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
Per the Historic Design Guidelines for Site Details and Streetscapes:
FENCES:
• New fences should be consistent with the historic style and period of the house in
both design and materials.
• Recommended fencing materials for contributing or significant properties include
wood picket, wrought iron and cast iron. Vinyl, PVC, and chain link are to be
avoided.
• Front yard fences, located closest to the street, are most visible and should have an
appropriate scale and relationship to the front porch, front yard and building.
• Fencing designs and materials should be consistent with the age of the historic and
contributing structure. Contemporary fences, if used, should be reserved for areas
not visible from the street or to the rear of the property.
• For additional information regarding the fencing requirements please refer to the
City Zoning Ordinance at www.saratoga-springs.org.
Per the guidelines and standards, significant character-defining features on the porch
should be repaired in-kind and only replaced with in-kind materials when beyond
reasonable repair. The Foundation has concerns with the design of the fence and its
location. It recommends that there not be a flat top rail and that the fence only be located
along the north property boundary rather than partially along the sidewalk on Van Dam
Street.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Lindsey Connors, Rise Housing & Support Services Applicant
Re4orm Architecture, Architect
Amanda Tucker, City of Saratoga Springs