HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250111 81 Phila St. Construction SSPF Letter 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: 81 Phila Street- New Construction
Dear Tamie,
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the proposed plans for
construction of a new single-family residence at 81 Phila Street.
The Foundation is pleased that the vacant property at 81 Phila Street will be developed.
The site of the proposed new construction is in the East Side Historic District listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Per the City of Saratoga Springs Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction
– New Buildings:
• Architectural styles for new construction should reflect and represent the period in
which it is built. The style of new construction should be compatible with
surrounding buildings but should not give the false impression of being historic.
Construction methods and materials can differentiate new construction from
historic structures
• Building height and scale should be consistent with the existing streetscape and
neighboring building patterns. Historic streetscapes often have a variation in
building scale and massing that contribute to the visual interest and unique historic
character of the street. Variation is promoted, but extreme differences should be
avoided.
• Rooflines and shapes should be consistent with surrounding historic structures.
• New construction windows and doors should complement the window and door
size, patterns and rhythm of neighboring historic buildings.
As proposed, the design does not appear to be a statement of its own time, but a replica of
a Queen Anne style residence. The Foundation has significant concerns regarding the
proposed height of the house and the proportions of the roof. The prior application that
was approved, while similar in height, had a gable roof that was set back 20’ feet from the
primary façade, limiting its visibility from the street. The Foundation respectfully requests
that the Design Review Board require the applicant to provide drawings that show the
adjacent buildings to better understand the proposed height of the structure. The
Foundation strongly recommends that the raised foundation be less than the 6 feet (72”)
above grade that is being proposed. The average height of a raised foundation on Phila
Street between Henry Street and Circular Street is 36 inches, with the greatest being 46”
above grade at 65 Phila Street, where the grade of the street is steeper.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
The Foundation also has concerns about the proportions of the proposed second floor bay
window on the primary façade and the porch columns and railings. The Foundation also
objects to the dormer on the east façade as it is currently proposed. The window fenestration
of the east and west facades appears arbitrary. The detail of the inset where the inset front
porch intersects with the second floor on the east and west elevations is awkward. The
Foundation also respectfully requests that the Design Review Board require 3-D renderings
be provided as well as detailed drawings for the proposed cornices.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funicello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Tom & Paula D’Orazio, Applicant
Robert L. Flansburg, Agent
Susan Barden, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, Saratoga Springs