HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250023 722 North Broadway Exterior Modifications SSPF 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
Sydney Hedge
Preservation &
Program Coordinator
Eileen Scheier
Administrative Assistant
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
January 29, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 722 North Broadway – Exterior Alterations
Dear Tamie,
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the
exterior alterations at 722 North Broadway.
The 1886 Queen Anne residence was designed by prominent local architect S.
Gifford Slocum and is a contributing building to the Broadway Historic District
listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Foundation does not object to the removal of the existing rear porch. While it
is historic, first appearing on the 1900 Sanborn Map, it has been altered.
The rear elevation should not mimic or compete with the ornate details of the
primary façade. It should be simpler in design. While the Foundation does not
oppose the construction of the two-story rear porch. The proposed elaborate cast
balustrade is incompatible with the architectural style of the residence. The
Foundation recommends a simple turned wood balustrade. It appreciates that the
proposed first story rear porch columns will match the existing porch columns. The
Foundation hopes that any existing columns that are not beyond repair will be
incorporated into the new porch. The Foundation objects to the proposed second-
story porch columns. While the columns match the existing historic second-story
porch columns, they are too ornate for the rear of the house. The use of tile for the
flooring of the decking of the first-floor porch is inappropriate. The Foundation
recommends wood flooring to be in-keeping with the style of the house.
The Foundation also opposes the installation of the oval window similar to the
primary facade. Again, the rear elevation should not mimic the primary façade and
should be more restrained in design. In addition, the installation of the oval window
would irreversibly alter the rough, rock-faced stone, a character-defining feature.
Lastly, should the window be approved, the Foundation has significant concerns
about the ability to match craftsmanship and the color and size of the stone and
mortar.
The Foundation respectfully requests that the Design Review Board require more
detailed information about stairs and the proposed doors. It is unclear from the
materials provided if the existing rear door is historic. If it is, it should be retained.
Also, the size of the door opening should not be altered.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
As always, the Foundation appreciates the significant investment the owners
continue to make into this magnificent example of Queen Anne architecture in
Saratoga Springs.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Robert J. Klein, Applicant
Matt Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects
Susan Barden, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs