HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240299 Chery St Single Family Construction 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
Sydney Hedge
Preservation &
Programs Coordinator
Marcy Dreimiller
Administrative Assistant
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
May 8. 2024
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: Cherry Street - New Construction
Dear Tamie,
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for new construction
at the corner of Cherry Street and Marvin Alley.
The site of the proposed new single-family residence and garage is located in the Franklin
Square Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The period of
significance for the district is the early 1800s to early 1900s and incorporates a variety and
quality of architectural styles.
From the City of Saratoga Springs UDO – Article 13 H. The Historic Review, 2. Design
Considerations:
1. 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.
2. Scale
The Design Review Board must consider whether the scale of the proposed structure
is compatible with the relationship of the building and the architectural elements to
neighboring structures and community character.
3. Mass and Open Space
The Design Review Board must consider whether the relationship of the dimension
and mass of the building to the open space between it and adjoining buildings is
compatible wit the character of the neighboring area and with any specific zoning
district intent.
4. Proportion
The Design Review Board must consider whether the proposed structure and the
architectural elements, including front facades, windows, doors, and bays, are
consistent with the dominant proportion of neighboring structures and sites.
5. Directional Expression
The Design Review Board must consider whether the directional expression of a
building and its architectural elements are compatible with the dominant horizontal
and vertical expression of the neighboring buildings.
6. Architectural Rhythm
The Design Review Board must consider whether 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 structure and consistent with
neighboring structures.
7. Front Setback
The front setback for the building line of all new construction must be compatible with
neighboring buildings and any specific zoning district intent.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
From the City of Saratoga Springs Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction –
New Buildings:
• Architectural styles for new construction should reflect and represent the period in
which it was 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 streetscape often have a variation in building
scale and massing that contribute to the visual interest and unique historic character of
the street. Variation is promoted, but extreme difference should be avoided.
• Rooflines and shapes should be consistent with surrounding historic structures.
• New construction windows and doors should complement the window and door size,
patterns and rhythm of neighboring historic buildings.
• Façade rhythm should maintain the vertical or horizontal emphasis that is prevalent on
the street.
• New construction materials should be compatible with and complement the
surrounding historic buildings. 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 does not object to a new residence and garage being constructed. It is pleased
that the garage will be detached and will face the alley. Unfortunately, the application failed
to provide photos of the historic property immediately adjacent at 59 Franklin Street and any
information as to how the proposed new construction relates to that property as well as how it
will be viewed from Franklin Street. The Foundation respectfully requests that the Design
Review Board require additional information regarding the aforementioned prior to rendering
a decision. The Foundation has concerns about the height, mass, and scale of the proposed
residence. It recommends that the overall window fenestration be simplified. The Foundation
is also concerned that the east façade that will be most visible from Franklin Street is not in-
keeping with the neighborhood context. It also recommends that the cupola be removed from
the garage.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Witt Construction, Inc. Applicant
David F. DeVall and Richard DeVall, Owners
Beige Berryman, Administrator of OPED, City of Saratoga Springs