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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240393 61 Lawrence Carriage House Conversion Applicant comments 2025 01 23 WALLANT wallantarchitecture.com 553 Rowe Road Feura Bush NY 12067 518 573- 4531 January 20, 2025 Saratoga Springs Design Review Board 61 LAWRENCE STREET – Meeting Notes from DRB meeting 6/26/24 10. #20240393 61 Lawrence Carriage House Conversion. Architectural Review of carriage house exterior improvements within the Neighborhood Center (T-5) District. Tamie Ehinger, Chair read a letter from the Preservation Foundation that was received earlier in the day that was not uploaded due to technical difficulties. The letter read as follows: The Preservation Foundation “has reviewed the proposed exterior alterations at 61 Lawrence St. The former carriage house located in the architectural review district was built circa 1880. The Foundation appreciates the significant investment the owners are making in the building. It does not object to the proposed exterior alterations, however, the Foundation does not support the addition of the eyebrow window on the south elevation, it is not in keeping with the architectural style of the building and visually competes with the cupola.” Scott Wallant, Architect is not speaking into the mic. Bits and pieces of information are audible. Scott presented renderings of the building. Tamie said it’s a great project. She asked if they are removing some of the original windows to accommodate the addition. Scott said they would be replaced in-kind as much as possible. Tamie noted that the original window on the west side is being removed and replaced and another window is being added, so there will be two windows. Tamie said that the standards and guidelines state that historic windows should not be removed unless they are deteriorated beyond repair. She said the documentation that was provided does not indicate that the windows are beyond repair. Tamie said she would need to see additional documentation showing that the windows are beyond repair. She said she doesn’t have any concerns about the eyebrow window. Chris agreed with Tamie that historic windows need to be preserved at all costs. He said overall the project is lovely. Chris said he agrees with the Foundation that the eyebrow seems to be unnecessary. Rob agrees about the windows and notes that the spec shows aluminum clad replacements which would not be in-kind, they need to be wood. Rob asked about the material for the railings on the second floor and the handicap ramp. (I think the answer is steel). He asked about the material for the siding for the shed door. (not clear what the answer is). Jeff agrees the eyebrow doesn’t fit. He suggested maybe a half round would work. Jeff said if the windows could be fixed, that would be ideal. Tad said it looks like a really nice project and he agreed with what was said by other board members. He asked about the chimney near the dormer and if it served a purpose. (answer inaudible) Ellen said the eyebrow window didn’t seem necessary or add anything to the project. She said if the client feels strongly about it, it’s not a deal City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Board Minutes – June 26, 2024 - Page 7 of 10 breaker for her. Ellen questioned whether wood window replacements instead of aluminum clad would be required since it’s in the architectural district and not historical. Tami said if it were new construction the aluminum clad would be allowed, but this is replacement of historic windows. Tamie Ehinger, Chair asked if there were any comments from the audience. There were none. Tamie said a good portion of the board agrees that the eyebrow is not necessary because it competes with the cupola. Tamie said the applicant should submit additional documentation about the condition of the windows they are proposing to remove. She said Scott indicated that the railings are painted steel, and the board will need to know what the stucco product is and not EIFS. Scott asked if the application would be denied if he returned with the eyebrow in place. Tami conducted a straw poll that showed the project would not be denied on that basis. WALLANT wallantarchitecture.com 553 Rowe Road Feura Bush NY 12067 518 573- 4531 TO MEMBERS OF THE SARATOGA SPRINGS DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: The Owner of 61 Lawrence Street, William Brayton agrees to altering the proposed design based on the comments from the DRB 6/26/24 meeting. • All existing windows (with the possible exception of Window 3, second floor, East) will be repaired and re-used for the project. Storm panels will be added to meet Energy Code. • New windows will be fabricated with materials and details in kind. These will be single glazed, wood windows, with details to match the existing windows. Storm panels will be added to meet Energy Code. • The “eyebrow” window at the shed dormer will be eliminated. • The existing unused chimney on the south roof will be removed. • All new areas of trim will match existing. • All new areas of stucco will be traditional stucco, (Portland cement, sand, and lime), not synthetic (EIFS). Looking forward to any further discussion at our meeting on January 29. Respectfully, Scott Wallant, AIA