HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230773 182 Exceslior Site Plan
Page 1 of 2
Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Rob DuBoff, Vice Chair
Chris Bennett
Leslie DiCarlo
Jeff Gritsavage
Tad Roemer
Ellen Sheehan
Karen Cavotta, Alternate
CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS
D ESIGN R EVIEW B OARD
City Hall - 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Tel: 518-587-3550 x.2515 fax: 518-580-9480
www.saratoga-springs.org
ADVISORY OPINION
In consideration of the Request for an Advisory Opinion by the Zoning Board of Appeals
ZBA App #20230358
Relocation of Historic Structures and Redevelopment
182 Excelsior Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
involving the significance of the existing historic house and carriage house and the scope of the structures to be
preserved within the Urban Residential-4 District, tax parcel #166.-1-14, within the City of Saratoga Springs.
Following discussion on this matter on August 2, 2023, the Design Review Board offers the following with respect
to the Zoning Board of Appeal’s request for input with particular attention the historic significance of the structures
and the character defining features recommended for restoration:
Considerations:
Regarding the historic significance of the structures:
The Design Review Board has found that both the main structure and carriage house structures to have architectural
and historic significance based on the history of the house, the location, and the criteria under which the structures
would qualify as a Historic Landmark as outlined in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. The Board discussed
the matter of landmark nomination at their meeting on April 5, 2023 and offered an Advisory Opinion to the City
Council, a copy of which is attached.
Character defining features recommended for restoration:
The Design Review Board feels strongly that in order for the structures to maintain their historic significance, the
following features should be maintained and/or restored:
Main House:
The slate roof and its unique patterning is an important character defining feature of the house. Should the
roof need replacing, it should be replicated in both shape and pattern with slate tiles.
The wood siding should be maintained. If it needs to be replaced, it should be replaced in-kind with wood
siding.
The front three facade (North, East and West) windows are character defining original wood windows. The
windows should remain.
The windows on the rear of the house may be replaced without jeopardizing the significance of the
structure.
The wood trim should be maintained.
The removal of the porch and porte cochere is not inappropriate, however, it is important that the porch
be replaced in-kind and as presented as it exists now.
The removal of the rear non-historic additions will not impact the significance of the structure, and there
is no opposition.
Page 2 of 2
The chimneys ideally would be salvaged and rebuilt following the moving of the structure if at all possible.
Carriage House:
Although the slate roof is a character defining feature for this structure, replacing with asphalt would not
compromise the integrity of the historic character significantly enough to oppose.
The wood siding should be repaired or replaced in-kind with wood siding.
The wood detailing should be maintained.
The cupola is a character defining feature and should be maintained.
The existing windows are not original and there are no objections to replacement. Note, the original
window openings should remain.
The wood window trims and detailing should remain.
Additionally, the Design Review Board finds the following items as identified by the applicant to be maintained and/or
restored as appropriate:
The 3rd floor arched gothic style windows on the rear of the main structure to remain.
The front door of the house to remain.
Record of vote: motion to approve made by T. Ehinger, seconded by R. DuBoff: passed 6-1
In favor: T. Ehinger, R. DuBoff, C. Bennett, J. Gritsavage, T. Roemer E. Sheehan
Opposed: K. Cavotta
Absent: L. DiCarlo
August 28, 2023
Chair Received by Accounts
cc: Building Department File
Accounts Dept.
Applicant/Agent
Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Rob DuBoff, Vice Chair
Chris Bennett
Leslie DiCarlo
Jeff Gritsavage
Tad Roemer
Ellen Sheehan
Karen Cavotta, Alternate
CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS
D ESIGN R EVIEW B OARD
City Hall - 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Tel: 518-587-3550 x.2517
www.saratoga-springs.org
March 10, 2023
Ron Kim, Mayor
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Accounts
Jason Golub, Commissioner of DPW
James Montagnino, Commissioner of DPS
City Hall - 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
RE: Landmark Nomination – Henry Lawrence House, 182 Excelsior Ave
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
The Design Review Board (DRB) heard a presentation by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation
and heard from members of the public on April 5, 2023 regarding the designation of the Henry Lawrence
House located at 182 Excelsior Avenue (tax parcel #166.-1-14) as a City Landmark. Following discussion
on the matter, the DRC issued the following opinion in strong support of the landmark designation:
The designation is not contrary to the intent and objectives of Article 13, Historic and Architectural
Review of the Unified Development Ordinance.
The DRB finds that the unique history of the property would meet at least three of the five criteria
for Landmark designation as outlined in Article 13.9.K.2. This would include:
a. Possesses special character or archeological, historic, or aesthetic interest of value as part
of the cultural, political, economic, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation.
b. Is identified with historically significant individuals.
c. Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style.
Therefore, the Design Review Board finds that the property and structures located at 182 Excelsior Avenue
meet the criteria as defined in the UDO to be designated as a Landmark and issues a Favorable advisory
opinion to the City Council demonstrated by the following vote - passed 5-0 (T. Ehinger, R. DuBoff, C.
Bennett, J. Gritsavage, K. Cavotta; Absent: L. DiCarlo, T. Roemer E. Sheehan)
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Tamie Ehinger,
Design Review Commission Chair