HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190232 Flat Rock Parking Center DRC opinion to CC 8-8-19 (2) NTOG ` T mi Ehin r
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• CITY O F SARATOGA SPRINGS Karen Cavotta, Vice Chair
Leslie DiCarlo
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_�''4 . . City Hall - 474 Broadway Rob DuBoff
COP �. '� Ellen Sheehan
BRAT O Saratoga Springs, New York 1 2866
Tel: 518-587-3550 x.2515 fax: 518-580-9480 Steven Rowland, Alternate
Kenneth Ritzenberg, Alternate
August 8, 2019
Meg Kelly, Mayor
Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance
John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts
Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works
Peter Martin, Commissioner of Public Safety
City Hall - 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Re: Input on proposed Flat Rock Centre Parking Structure
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
The Design Review Commission was pleased to entertain a presentation of updated details for the
proposed Flat Rock Centre Parking Structure on August 7, 2019. Following the presentation by the
design team and discussion by the Commission members, the Design Review Commission offers the
following for consideration by the City Council.
With respect to general mass and scale of the structure, the Commission finds that the efforts to
reduce the perception of what is a significant building appear to be largely successful due to design
attention to facade articulation, the "stepping back" of various walls and roof lines, and the use of
different, yet complementary, colors, materials and patterns. Of note, is the tan, corner element that
is designed to present itself as a distinct building form that lends a transition to adjacent properties.
Following much design effort, the resultant glass and steel pedestrian bridge between buildings is much
improved and presents in a much lighter, transparent manner that does not overwhelm Maple Avenue
as had the previous version.
The attention to pedestrian linkages and pedestrian-friendly elements is appreciated. The Commission
notes the two east-west staircases at the north and south facades of the structure and the accessible
route, internal to the structure, from the High Rock Ave grade to the Maple Ave grade. The
integration of the Greenbelt Connector Trail, the adjacent public lawn area, and the "pocket"
planting/hardscape area next to the Ellsworth Jones Place terminus each assist to soften the perceived
mass of the structure and provide desirable pedestrian refuge areas.
The Commission is particularly looking forward to the successful implementation and use of the
"open-air" elements presented at the ground-level High Rock Ave facade. The canopy structures assist
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in emphasizing a pedestrian-scale experience and the low walls with periodic openings contrast the
customary isolating nature of parking structure walls and, rather, invite activities to occur both within
and outside of the I St floor parking/staging area. It is hoped that the City Center, in its management of
this space, will actively promote and program with space with engaging, community-oriented activities
such as expanded market opportunities for locally-produced-and-sourced artisanal offerings.
Following discussion with the project architects, there is a request for the design team to review the
proposed height and scale of the periodic column top elements. From the renderings presented, it
appears that these may be more appropriate if reduced in height. In addition, great care is encouraged
in finalizing the lighting plan, in general, and within the tower and pedestrian bridge elements, in
particular. The aspect of these lighted, transparent architectural components poses a new, modern
and interesting downtown feature. However, there should be caution with the direction, color and
intensity of the lighting so as not to produce unintended adverse impacts on neighboring properties.
The Design Review Commission is pleased to communicate its consensus that this project is moving in
a very positive direction and the Commission looks forward to its successful completion and
integration into the overall Flat Rock Centre redevelopment effort.
Sincerely yours,
Tamie Ehinger, Chair
CC: Ryan McMahon, Executive Director, City Center Authority
Tom Roohan, Chairman, City Center Authority Board of Directors
Michael Ingersoll, Principal, Vice President, The LA Group
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