HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240457 172 Caroline Roof, Windows, Porch, Driveway 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 &
Program Coordinator
Marcy Dreimiller
Administrative Assistant
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
July 9, 2024
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 172 Caroline Street – Exterior Alterations
Dear Tamie,
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application to make exterior
alterations to 172 Caroline Street.
The house at 172 Caroline Street is a Dutch Colonial Revival that was built circa 1922. It may
be a kit house as it resembles the “Verona” that was advertised for $2,461 in the 1921 by the
Sears Roebuck and Co. See attached. It is a contributing building to the East Side Historic
District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Foundation does not object to the proposed in-kind repair of the porch, the roof
replacement, or to the installation of the tandem asphalt parking spaces. However, it strongly
objects to the proposed vinyl window replacement. The application provides no documentation
as to why the existing windows cannot be preserved and repaired because all the windows were
replaced without Design Review Board approval.
Per the Windows & Doors Historic District Design Guidelines:
Windows and doors are among the most significant character-defining features of a building.
They help to identify the style and period of the building. Every effort should be made to
maintain and preserve these important features. Replacement should only be considered when
windows and doors are beyond reasonable repair.
Windows
• Maintain original trim details and the original configuration, size, shape and proportion
of windows.
• Historic stained or colored glass windows should be maintained and preserved.
• Original window size and location should be preserved. Do not replace windows with
units that alter the original size of the window opening or trim detail.
• Restoration of original window configurations and openings 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. If no historic evidence is available, the windows should
match the design and materials of the architectural style and period of the historic
building.
• The use of snap-in muntin bars to achieve the appearance of divided lights is
discouraged. Original muntins and mullions reflect the architectural style and period
of the house as well as provide architectural detail and depth
• The use of non-traditional window types (picture windows, sliders, etc.) and
contemporary materials and designs is discouraged on historic and contributing
properties. Vinyl and metal windows are strongly discouraged, particularly on primary
façades.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
It is unfortunate that the owner did not do his due diligence prior to acquiring the property to
confirm that any windows that were replaced by the previous owner received approval from
the Design Review Board. Vinyl windows with snap-in muntin bars are not appropriate.
Typically, the Foundation would recommend that all the vinyl windows be replaced with wood
windows. However, since the current owner did not replace all windows, only a portion, the
Foundation recommends that all the vinyl windows that face the street (Caroline Street and
Nelson Avenue) be replaced with wood windows to restore the historic appearance of the house.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: James Stockwell, Owner
Tonya Yasenchak, Agent
Beige Berryman, Administrator of OPED, City of Saratoga Springs