HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230083 453 Broadway 3 Story Addition SSPF Letter 2023 09 20Board 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 Commission
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 453 – 457 Broadway – Three Story Addition
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the revised plans for the
three-story addition at 453 – 457 Boadway.
As noted in the Foundation’s letter dated April 5, 2023, the State Historic Preservation
Office Building Structure Inventory Form listed the circa 1940s one-story building at 453
Broadway as a non-contributing building to the Broadway Historic District listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Since it was constructed, the primary façade has been
altered multiple times. The commercial structure located at 457 Broadway is a contributing
building to the Broadway Historic District that appears to have been constructed circa
1850s in wood and remodeled later with an Italianate style brick façade.
The Foundation does not object to an addition to 453-457 Broadway. In the previous letter
submitted the Foundation expressed concerns about the height of the structure. It is
pleased that the building height has been reduced from 60’ to 56’-9.” However, it
remains concerned. It is unclear from the renderings provided if the structure
exceeds the height of the pyramidal roof of the former circa 1880 YMCA Building
located at 437 Broadway. A balloon test may be helpful in determining if the
overall height and mass of the structure is appropriate.
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction – New Buildings:
• 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 has concerns about the proposed materials. It objects to the use of
thin brick and to the use of EIFS on the primary façade. It is also unclear if the
“cast stone” details are made of stone or another material. The Foundation
recommends the use of only natural materials - wood, stone, or metal. The
Foundation also recommends that the parapet of the existing one-story building be
altered to allow for a better transition between the existing building and the
proposed addition.
The Foundation objects to the use of a detailed cornice on the north and west
elevations. The detailed cornice should only be on the primary façade. A less
ornate cornice treatment should be used on the secondary facades of the building.
This would be consistent with the adjacent buildings on Broadway. 112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
Lastly, the Foundation recommends that the west elevation be a simple design and
not replicate the primary façade. It should have limited detail to be consistent with
the adjacent historic buildings and the design of the first floor be changed to
eliminate the appearance that the upper floors are floating.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Jay’s Acquisitions LLC, Applicant
Angelo Ingrassia, Owner
Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner, Office of Planning and Economic Development