HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240054 128, 132 Washington Garage Demo & Construction SSPF Letter (3) December 2, 2024
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 128-132 Washington Street – Demolition and Construction
Dear Tamie,
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for exterior alterations
and new construction at 128-132 Washington Street, a Greek Revival front-gabled residence
built circa 1830-1848.
The Foundation is pleased to see an investment in this long-neglected property that has been
on its endangered list. While the Foundation supports retaining the original main structure and
the historic front porch, it does not oppose the proposed demolition of the rear extensions due
to their lack of significance and condition.
The Foundation objects to the proposed changes to the existing windows of the historic main
structure. Per the Windows and Doors Historic District Design Guidelines, original trim details
and original configuration, size, shape and proportion of windows as well as window size and
location should be preserved. The addition of transom windows is not appropriate.
Historically there were two structures on the two lots that are now 128-132 Washington Street.
Therefore, the Foundation does not object to the proposed east hyphen and addition as it gives
the appearance of two structures. However, the Foundation does not support the recently
submitted Greek Revival design changes to Unit 2. The earlier design was more in-keeping
with the neighborhood context of vernacular front gable residences. Unit 2 should not visually
compete with the existing historic structure.
While the Foundation also does not object to the immediate rear addition to the original
structure, it does not support the addition of sidelights to the paired doors on the west elevation.
Typically, the Foundation does not support attached garages. In this instance it does not object
to an attached garage as it understands that the owner has a daughter with disabilities who
requires special accommodation. However, the Foundation objects to the use of board and
batten siding. The use of board and batten gives the false impression of a carriage house, which
it is not. Every effort should be made to minimize the visual appearance of the attached garage.
Differentiating the cladding of the garage may bring greater attention to it. Also, the Foundation
is concerned with the size and proportion of the gabled dormer on the north elevation of the
garage.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Lori Sames, Applicant
Susan Davis, S.D. Atelier Architecture
Susan Barden, Principal Planner 112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
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Michele M. Funiciello
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Chris Armer
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Linda L. Harvey
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Tiffany Blair
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Michelle Paquette-Deuel
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emeritus
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