HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230992 140 Grand Demo & Construction Public CommentDate: January 24th, 2024
To: Attn: Design Review Board
Saratoga Springs City Hall
474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs NY 12866
Project: 140 Grand Ave – Partial Demolition and Addition
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
DRC Board Members:
I reside at 152 Grand ave, and am one of the owners of 142 Grand Ave directly across
Beekman Street from the proposed project. I am submitting this letter in support of the
renovation and partial demolition (as required) of the existing historic home at 140 Grand Ave,
currently under review by the DRC. The exterior of the home has long been in need of
restoration and the existing vinyl siding is in disrepair and inappropriate for the historic
structure. The two rear additions were poorly conceived at the time of their construction as
well.
I do have a number of concerns with the submitted elevation drawings for the project and
some site comments for the board to consider. These design concerns are listed below.
The proposed Beekman Street façade should be stepped in and a change in finish
applied at the recess per the requirements in the UDO and to aid in breaking up the
long flat surface that the addition creates. (see attached sketch) If the existing
foundation is to remain in the recessed area, a few inches of recess could still be
accomplished with flashing over the existing foundation wall at the recess and setting
the framing in a few inches. If the 50% minimum ground floor glazing requirement of the
UDO is applicable on this residential/commercial site, this recess would be a good place
to apply a storefront system without impacting the original historic core of the home
fronting on Grand Ave, and further serve to break up the massing.
The window locations should relate to the roof lines and gables to the greatest extent
possible, especially at the front facades. (see attached rough sketchs)
The window trim details should be done in a historically appropriate manner. There are
numerous examples around the neighborhood that should be referenced with clear and
distinctive head and sill trim.
The gable trim detail currently covered by aluminum should be uncovered, documented,
restored, and continued or referenced throughout the rest of the gables.
The windows should be simulated divided lights and not vinyl windows. Mullion pattern
in keeping with other historic homes in the neighborhood.
The existing front porch appears to be a small partial replacement of the previous full
front porch. When passing by the previous owner doing yard work in this area, it
appeared that the remains of a previous porch foundation may still be in place in this
area. (to be determined). If the original foundation still remaining across the front
façade, or even if not and historic photos can be found documenting the original porch. I
would be in support of extending the full front porch on the existing foundation in
keeping with other front porches in the neighborhood and the original structure, if the
owners want to restore and expand the original porch, despite being over the front
property line. For the columns of the front porch, a minimum 6x6 post should be used in
a historic profile, such as at the textile studio porch posts across at 143 Grand Ave.
The brick sidewalk in front of the house has been in disrepair and should be fully
restored as level brick, or replaced with a concrete sidewalk.
Will the window wells that protrude onto the sidewalk on Beekman remain or be
removed? If they remain how will the tops be finished?
The proposed demolition includes the electric meter location that protrudes into the
sidewalk on the south end of the western exterior wall on Beekman Street. This line
should be brought into the building underground, or if not feasible, brought in overhead
to the East or South façade where it will not protrude onto the sidewalk.
Lastly, will the very large tree on the south property line be able to remain with the
proposed addition? Although this is not critical to the application or my comments, I
would be in support of setback variances and/or coverage variances to expand the
structure in other directions as needed to achieve the applicants goals without the loss
of this very large tree.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments, looking forward to seeing this historic
house restored at the gateway to Beekman Street,
Jonathan Haynes