HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240720 30-30 1/2 Caroline Building Expansion SHPO LetterDivision for Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189 • (518) 237-8643 • parks.ny.gov
⚫ 518-237-8643 ⚫ https://parks.ny.gov/shpo ⚫
KATHY HOCHUL RANDY SIMONS
Governor Commissioner Pro Tempore
November 5, 2024
Beige Berryman
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Re: SEQRA
30 & 30 1/2 Caroline Street Mixed-Use Development
30 & 30 1/2 Caroline St, Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, NY 12866
24PR08511
Dear Beige Berryman:
Thank you for requesting the comments of the Division for Historic Preservation of the Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) as part of your SEQRA process. These
comments are those of OPRHP and relate only to Historic/Cultural resources. They do not
include potential environmental impacts to New York State Parkland that may be involved in or
near your project. Such impacts must be considered as part of the environmental review of the
project pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (New York Environmental
Conservation Law Article 8) and its implementing regulations (6 NYCRR Part 617).
We note that 36 Caroline Street (Sperry’s Restaurant) is listed in the State and National
Registers of Historic Places as a contributing resource to the Broadway Historic District. We
have reviewed the plans, photographs, renderings, and related information for the proposed
new construction. The new construction is proposed for the 30 and 30-1/2 Caroline Street lots
as well as within the 36 Carolyn St buildings and lot.
Based on this review we have the following comments and concerns regarding the new
construction design as it relates to historic resources:
1. The building facade proposed for the 30 Caroline Street lot- the location of the former
Sturgis Building- is generally appropriate in terms of massing, materials, fenestration
pattern, setback, storefront, and overall design. It is, however, at least a story taller than
the adjoining historic building at 24 Caroline St and multiple stories taller than 36
Caroline. Design features such as setback of upper floors and fenestration of any public
facing elevations should be compatible with the historic district.
2. Based on our review of the massing study for the proposed 36 Caroline Street addition,
we believe that this addition would substantially alter the appearance of the historic
building, its structural components, as well as potential interior historic features. The
proposal would likely only preserve the front façade of the 36 Carolyn, which is not a
recommended preservation approach. Siting of the addition, including the setback and
the open piers extending to the east, also does not reflect the traditional character of the
historic district.
Division for Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189 • (518) 237-8643 • parks.ny.gov
⚫ 518-237-8643 ⚫ https://parks.ny.gov/shpo ⚫
In addition to our above comments, there are no archaeological concerns associated with this
project.
If this project will involve state or federal permitting, funding, or licensing, it may require a
continued review for potential impacts to architectural and archaeological resources, in
accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act or Section 14.09 of NYS
Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
If you have any questions, I can be reached via email or at (518) 268-2164.
Sincerely,
Weston Davey
Historic Site Restoration Coordinator
Weston.davey@parks.ny.gov
CC:
David Carr, Rebert Fraser; The LA Group
George Olsen; Olsen Associates