HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240720 30-301/2 Caroline Building Expansion SSPFBoard of Directors
Michele M. Funiciello
President
Christopher Armer
Vice President
Linda L. Harvey
Secretary
Stephen Kyne
Treasurer
Andrew Bauch
Tiffany Blair
Joseph DeLeva
Steven Dodds
Giovanna D’Orazio
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 & Programs
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: 30-30 ½ Caroline Street – Addition
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the Architectural Review
application for the addition at 30 - 30 1/2 Caroline Street.
The building at 30 ½ Caroline Street, originally listed as 36 Caroline Street, is a
contributing structure to the Broadway Historic District listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. It is located in the Architectural Review District.
As previously stated in the Foundation’s letter dated September 23, 2024, the
Broadway Historic District nomination identifies 30 ½ Caroline Street as a late
Queen Anne style building, built circa 1915. It is a two-story commercial building
with a brick veneer exterior and distinctive projecting bay window. The building is
a good example of the use of early 20th century face brick veneer and rock-faced
concrete block masonry construction. The building’s storefront complements the
district’s character, aligning with the smaller-scale structures that retain their
historic architectural details.
Per the UDO, Article 13, Section 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 in regard to a variety of
considerations – height, scale, mass and open space, proportion, directional
expression, architectural rhythm, front setback, treatment of major building
elements, materials, and colors. The design consideration for new construction and
additions (Article 13, Section 1, h.) states that 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 (italicization added for emphasis).
To accurately evaluate this application, additional information is needed to clarify
how much of the existing historic building will remain and how the proposed
addition will not impair the original historic form and integrity of the structure.
Given that Sperry’s Restaurant was one of the oldest restaurants in Saratoga
Springs, preserving as much of the original structure is important.
The Foundation continues to have significant concerns about the height, mass, and
scale of the proposed addition. The historic building should not be overwhelmed
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
by the proposed new structure. It recommends a more creative contextual design
for the proposed addition at 30 ½ Caroline Street. It should be different in height
and design from 30 Caroline Street to help to visually break up the mass and scale
of the proposed addition.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Luis Lazzinnaro, Owner
Olsen Associates, Architect
Susan Barden, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs