HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230742 53 Putnam New 5-Story Mixed-Use Development SSPF LetterBoard of Directors
Michele M. Funiciello
President
Sheila Sperling
Vice President
Linda L. Harvey
Secretary
Stephen Kyne
Treasurer
Chris Armer
Tiffany Blair
Steven Dodds
Giovanna D’Orazio
Julia Dunn
James Gold
John Haller
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
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
October , 2023
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Commission
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 53 Putnam Street – New Construction
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the
construction of a five-story, mixed-use building at 53 Putnam Street.
The project site is located in the local historic district. It is immediately adjacent
to the Broadway Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places
and is within the viewshed of the National Historic Landmark Congress Park.
The Foundation is pleased that the vacant parcel will be redeveloped and that the
proposed residential units will be offered for sale as affordable housing units as
there is an identified need for workforce housing in the community.
The following Design Considerations of the Unified Development Ordinance,
Article 13. H. Historic Review Approval Standards, should be considered:
a. Height
The Design Review Board must consider whether the height of the
proposed structure is compatible with the historic form and context of
the site and neighboring properties and with any specific zoning district
intent.
b. Scale
The Design Review Board must consider whether the scale of the
proposed structure is compatible with the relationship of the building
and its architectural elements to neighboring structures, and character of
historic setting.
c. Mass and Open Space
The Design Review Board must consider whether the relationship of the
dimension and mass of a building to the open space between it and
adjoining buildings is compatible with the character of the neighboring
area and with any specific zoning district intent.
d. Proportion – The Design Review Board must consider whether the
proposed structure and it architectural elements, including front facades,
windows, doors, and bays, are consistent with the dominant proportion
of neighboring structures and site.
e. Directional Expression – The Design Review Board must consider
whether directional expression of a building and its architectural
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Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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elements are compatible with the dominant horizontal or vertical
expression of the neighboring buildings.
f. Architectural Rhythm – The Design Review Board must consider the
architectural, rhythmic pattern resulting from repeated elements such as
window and door openings, columns, arches, and other façade elements
is consistent within the subject and consistent with neighboring
structures.
The Foundation appreciates that the applicant included examples of architectural
context/inspiration in the application and incorporated them into the design. It is
also pleased that the overall height of the building was reduced by the removal of
the sixth story. However, the Foundation remains concerned about the overall
height and mass of the building. It recommends that the fifth story be set back. The
Foundation respectfully requests that the Design Review Board require additional
information about the height and placement of roof mechanicals or protrusions,
such as elevator and/or stair towers, prior to making any determinations about the
appropriateness of the proposed height and mass of the building.
The architectural rhythms of the third and fourth story façade elements are not
consistent with surrounding buildings. The Foundation recommends less varied
window and door openings and materials on the primary façade. In addition, it
recommends the use of full-width brick rather than a thin brick veneer.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Putnam Resources, LLC, Applicant
Amanda Tucker, City of Saratoga Springs