HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240720 30-301/2 Caroline Building Expansion SSPF (2)Board 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
Dianne Winter
Development Director
Sydney Hedge
Preservation & Programs
Coordinator
Marcy Dreimiller
Historic Homes Tour
Coordinator
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
March 5, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 30-30 ½ Caroline Street – Demolition & New Construction
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 1/2 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 an Architectural Review District.
The Foundation does not oppose the removal of the existing rear additions. However, the
Foundation continues to have significant concerns about the height, mass, and scale of the
proposed addition. The historic building should not be overwhelmed 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.
Additions to historic buildings should be designed to ensure the original structure remains
prominent and undamaged. They should be distinct yet complementary and positioned
where they minimally impact the perception of the historic building. The proposed addition
at 30 1/2 Caroline should not obscure or harm the historic building’s character-defining
features or streetscape. Furthermore, it should be constructed in a way that, if removed, the
original building’s integrity and materials would remain intact. Materials and details should
complement but not replicate the original structure.
Furthermore, the letter dated November 5, 2024, from the NYS Historic Preservation
Office states that they “believe that the addition would substantially alter the appearance
of the historic building. The proposal would likely only preserve the front façade of
Caroline Street, which is not a recommended preservation approach. Siting of the addition,
including the setback and open piers extending to the east, also does not reflect the
traditional character of the historic district.”
The Foundation hopes that the Design Review Board takes these comments and
recommendations into consideration when reviewing this application.
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 Spring
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org