HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231041 153 Van Dam Exterior Modifications SPFF Letter
Board of Directors
Michele M. Funiciello
President
Chris Armer
Vice President
Linda L. Harvey
Secretary
Stephen Kyne
Treasurer
Andrew Bauch
Tiffany Blair
Steven Dodds
Giovanna D’Orazio
Joseph DeLeva
James Gold
John Haller
Leigh Hornbeck
Alex Kammler
Vincent LaTerra
Samantha Nass
Michelle Paquette-Deuel
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis
Sheila Sperling
Jason Thomas
Roger Woody
James Kettlewell
emeritus
Staff
Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Nicole Babie
Membership & Programs
Director
Sydney Hedge
Preservation &
Program Coordinator
Eileen Scheier
Administrative Assistant
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
September 24, 2024
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 153 Van Dam Street – Addition & Exterior Alterations
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the addition
and exterior alternations at 153 Van Dam Street.
The house at 153 Van Dam Street is in an Architectural Review District and contributes to
the West Side Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The
National Register nomination identifies 153 Van Dam Street as a “2-story flat roof wing
added to the front of 1 ½ front gable.” Over time, the house has had a series of additions
including the most recent large, two-story rear addition.
Per the UDO, Article 13:
I. Architectural Review Approval Standards the Design Review Board must evaluate
whether the proposed alteration or construction is compatible with the subject structure,
site, and neighboring properties in the architectural review overlay district with regard to:
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 its architectural elements
to neighboring structures and community character.
8. New Construction and Additions New construction and additions should be undertaken
such that their removal will not impair the original historic form and integrity of the
structure and site.
Additions to historic buildings should be designed to appear distinct and identifiable as
new construction, not as part of the original structure. They should be smaller in scale,
located where they are least visible, and should not overshadow or obscure the character-
defining features of the original building or streetscape. The design of the addition should
complement the original building’s roof form, massing, floor heights, and window and
door proportions, using materials and details that either match or complement the primary
structure.
When it comes to roofs, maintaining the original size, shape, and pitch is essential to
preserving the building's architectural integrity. Altering rooflines that redefine the
building’s style should be avoided, and any necessary repairs should use original roofing
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
materials whenever possible. If replacement is required, it should replicate the historic
design or be based on available evidence.
The Foundation strongly opposes the addition of a gable roof, as it detracts from the
building's original Italianate style.
This property is eligible for state and federal rehabilitation tax credits, which can help to
offset the costs associated with the rehabilitation of this historic property.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Erin Maciel, Applicant
Beige Berryman, Administrator of OPED, City of Saratoga Springs