HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231003 119 Van Dam Addition 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
John Haller
Leigh Hornback
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: 119 Van Dam Street – Exterior Alterations & New Construction
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the exterior
alternations and new construction at 119 Van Dam Street.
The house at 119 Van Dam Street is an example of the Free Classic subtype of the Queen
Anne style. It is a “contributing building” to the West Side Historic District listed on
National Register of Historic Places and is located in an Architectural Review District.
The New Construction, Additions; Windows and Doors; and Exterior Claddings Historic
District Design Guidelines should be considered when reviewing this project.
Per the New Construction Historic District Design Guidelines, Additions:
• Building additions should not look as though they are original to the historic
building. They should be distinct from, and identifiable, as an addition to, the
historic structure. Stepping down the roof line or stepping back from the primary
façade may achieve this.
• An addition should be smaller in scale than the original building so that it does not
overshadow the existing building. It should complement the original building’s
roof form, massing, floor heights, proportion and window and door fenestration.
• An addition should be located where it is least visible and designed to minimally
affect the perception of the original structure.
• Additions should not obscure, damage or destroy the character-defining features
of the primary building or streetscape.
• Additions should be constructed so that, if removed in the future, the historic
integrity of the building or its materials would not be irreparably damaged.
• Materials and details should be similar to, or complement, the primary structure.
Per the Windows & Doors Historic District Design Guidelines
• Every effort should be made to preserve original, historic exterior cladding.
• If exterior cladding is so deteriorated or damaged that it cannot be preserved, new
cladding should be replaced in-kind and match the original or historic cladding in
design, texture, and other visual qualities.
• The installation of vinyl or metal siding materials over historic cladding, or the
replacement of historic materials with vinyl or metal, is not an appropriate
preservation treatment and is strongly discouraged.
• When there are no alternatives to preserving the original cladding and a synthetic
material must be used, the following considerations shall apply:
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
• The use of synthetic materials should only be installed without irreversibly damaging or obscuring
the architectural features and trim.
• Fake wood grains are inappropriate and strongly discouraged; exaggerated wood grains would have
been undesirable on real wood siding.
• The width of the new siding should match the original as closely as possible.
• The use of visible “J Channel” is discouraged; use trim and corner boards to hide vinyl siding joints.
Per the Historic Design Guidelines for Windows and Doors:
WINDOWS
• Maintain original trim details and the original configuration, size, shape and proportion of
windows.
• Original window size and location should be preserved. Do not replace units that alter the original
size of the window opening or trim detail.
• Restoration of original window configurations and opening that were previously altered or removed
is encouraged.
• Replacement windows should match the existing in material and design and should be based on
historic evidence.
• The use of non-traditional window types and contemporary materials and designs is discouraged
on historic and contributing properties. Vinyl and metal windows are strongly discouraged,
particularly on primary facades.
The Foundation is pleased that the owners want to make a significant investment in their property and retain
the existing historic windows. It does not object to the proposed addition. However, it recommends that
there is a better distinction between the addition and the historic structure. The use of vinyl siding and
window is strongly discouraged.
The Foundation encourages the owners to remove the existing aluminum siding to assess the condition of
the original cladding and if possible, restore it. Original details may be uncovered, such as the window trim
and decorative shingles in the gable.
This property is eligible for the New York State Historic Homeownership Tax Credit, which provides a
state income tax credit equal to 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses associated with repair,
maintenance, and upgrades to historic homes. While this would not assist with the cost of the addition, it
would help to offset the cost of restoring the exterior of the house.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Tiffany Britt and Dennis Gosier, Applicant
Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner, City of Saratoga Springs