HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250409 68 Beekman St. Exterior Modifications 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
Alex Kammler
Vincent LaTerra
Samantha Nass
Michelle Paquette-Deuel
Sheila Sperling
Jason Thomas
Roger Woody
James Kettlewell
emeritus
Staff
Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Dianne Winter
Development Director
Sydney Hedge
Preservation & Programs
Coordinator
Stephanie Hadley
Administrative Assistant
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
June 11, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 68 Beekman Street – Exterior Modification
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the proposed plans for exterior
modifications to 68 Beekman Street.
This circa 1850 structure is a 19th-century vernacular-style residence located within the
Architectural Review District. It has operated as a mixed-use building since the early 1900s. It
was home to the site of DiRossi’s Restaurant for 71 years and has since housed different
restaurants (see attached image).
The Foundation does not oppose the proposed demolition of the 8’ x 8’ rear addition nor the
replacement of the plywood flooring and railings with tongue-and-groove wood. However, the
Foundation strongly opposes the removal and replacement of the historic doors of the primary
façade, as they are character-defining features of the structure.
Per the Windows and Doors Historic Design Guidelines:
• Every effort should be made to preserve original or historic doors as well as the associated
functional and decorative features including door frames, sills, heads, jambs and moldings.
Do not alter/enclose important architectural features such as existing sidelights or transoms.
• Deteriorated or missing pieces should be replicated with materials that match the original.
The location, size and shape of original or historic doorway openings should be maintained.
• Relocating or altering an original door opening is discouraged, particularly on a primary
façade.
• Replacement doors should match the existing in material and design or should be based on
historic evidence. If no historic evidence is available, the doors should match the design
and material of the architectural style and period of the historic building.
• Contemporary materials and designs are discouraged on historic and contributing
structures.
Based on the above Guidelines, the Design Review Board should make every effort to preserve
the primary facade as much as possible.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funicello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Kelly Mallette, Applicant
Davia Batista, Owner
Susan Barden, Administrator OPED, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs 112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org