HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231027 49 George Second Story & Porch 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
January 22, 2024
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Commission
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 49 George Street – Exterior Alterations & New Construction
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the exterior
alternations and new construction at 49 George Street.
The c. 1960 ranch is a non-contributing building to the National Register listed East Side
Historic District. The historic district’s period of significance is 1885 – 1925 and
incorporates a variety of architectural styles.
From the City of Saratoga Springs UDO – Article 13 H. The Historic Review, 1.e.
Compatible Contemporary Design states:
Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties may be
encouraged provided it does not destroy significant historical, architectural, or cultural
material and is compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the site or
surrounding neighborhood. Incompatible alterations shall be discouraged.
The New Construction Historic District Guidelines include guidelines for new buildings,
accessory buildings, and additions. The guidelines for additions focus on maintaining
historic structures. While this is a proposed addition to an existing building, it is not a
historic building, therefore the New Construction Historic District Design Guidelines for
New Buildings should be considered.
NEW BUILDINGS
• Architectural styles for new construction should reflect and represent the period in
which it is built. The style of new construction should be compatible with
surrounding buildings but should not give the false impression of being historic.
Construction methods and materials can differentiate new construction from historic
structures.
• The placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with
neighboring buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and façade setback is
recommended.
• Building mass should be appropriate to the size of the lot. A large lot can generally
accommodate a larger structure, while a small structure is more appropriate for a
smaller lot.
• 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.
• Buildings with large, uninterrupted massing should be broken into smaller visual
components consistent with neighboring buildings.
• Rooflines and shapes should be consistent with surrounding historic structures. 112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
• 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.
• Porches are a significant architectural feature and typical of residences in Saratoga
Springs. Porches, appropriate to the mass and scale of the building, are encouraged
in new construction.
• Primary entrances to the building should orient to the street and be well designated.
• 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 historic character of
the neighboring buildings. The use of vinyl is discouraged.
The Foundation is pleased that the owner wants to make a significant investment in their
property. It does not object to the second story addition to the house. However, it has
concerns about the window and door fenestration. The current design gives the impression
of two primary front entrances. The Foundation recommends that there only be one
entrance on the primary façade.
In addition, the design of the primary façade of the second story addition gives the
impression of an enclosed front porch. The addition should be a statement of its own time
and not give a false narrative. The Foundation recommends that the design of the second
story be simplified.
Lastly, the Foundation also recommends eliminating the gable roof of the garage to reduce
its visual prominence.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: George Street Spa, LLC, Applicant
Matt Hurff, Frost Hurff, Architects, Architect
Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner, City of Saratoga Springs