HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230532 395 Broadway Two Story Addition SSPF LetterBoard of Directors
Michele M. Funiciello
President
Sheila Sperling
Vice President
Linda L. Harvey
Secretary
Stephen Kyne
Treasurer
Christopher Armer
Tiffany Blair
Steven Dodds
Giovanna D’Orazio
Julia Dunn
James Gold
John Haller
Leigh Hornbeck
Vincent LaTerra
Patty Morrison
Samantha Nass
Michelle Paquette-Deuel
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis
Jason Thomas
Roger Woody
Maddy Zanetti
James Kettlewell
emeritus
Staff
Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Nicole Babie
Membership & Programs
Director
Marcy Dreimiller
Administrative Assistant
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
September 20, 2023
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair, Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 395 Broadway – Exterior Alterations and Addition
Dear Tamie,
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the revised plans to make exterior
alterations and construct an addition to 395 Broadway.
The Foundation is pleased that the retail space has been relocated to the corner of Broadway
and Division Street and the office now has a more prominent entrance.
The Foundation is disappointed that no photos were provided for the east side of Broadway.
This is a significant location that will impact both sides of the street. It is important to
understand the entire context of the streetscape to be able to evaluate the proposed design’s
compatibility.
The Foundation does not believe that this proposed design follows several of the Historic
District Design Guidelines for New Construction (underline is added for emphasis):
NEW BUILDINGS
• The placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with
neighboring buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and façade setback is
recommended.
• Building height and scale should be consistent with the existing streetscape and
neighboring building patterns. Historic streetscapes often have variation in building
scale and massing that contribute to the visual interest and unique historic character
of the street. Variation is promoted, but extreme differences should be avoided.
• Rooflines and shapes should be consistent with surrounding historic structures.
• New construction windows and doors should complement the window and door
sizes, patterns and rhythm of neighboring historic buildings.
• Façade rhythm should maintain the vertical or horizontal emphasis that is prevalent
on the street.
The Foundation reiterates that it is pleased that this prominent corner will once again be
redeveloped and is supportive of the proposed changes to the exterior of the existing two-
story structure and does not object to the concept of additional stories.
The Foundation continues to have significant concerns about the additional stories –
specifically, the façade placement, floor heights, fenestration, and style. It appreciates that
the portions of the addition that were previously flush with the existing building were set
back. However, it remains strongly opposed to the multiple setbacks of varying depths.
The setbacks, window fenestration, and floor heights of the addition are also not consistent
with the existing building nor the streetscape.
The existing building is not a historic building; therefore, it is not necessary to differentiate
the addition. As proposed, the style of the proposed addition does not relate to the existing
building. The Foundation advocates for greater continuity between the existing building
and the addition and greater compatibility with the streetscape.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
Lastly, the Foundation has significant concerns about the roof projections and their
visibility.
Again, the Foundation reiterates that it is important that as this project moves forward that
renderings are provided that incorporate the opposite side of the street as well as
perspectives looking at the building as one walks and drives north and south on Broadway
from Caroline, Phila and Washington Streets.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Lisa Moser, Owner
Brett Balzer, Balzer & Tuck Architecture
Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner, City of Saratoga Springs