HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250525 202 Lake Ave Exterior Modifications SSPF LetterBoard of Directors
Michele M. Funiciello
President
Christopher Armer
Vice President
Linda L. Harvey
Secretary
Stephen Kyne
Treasurer
Andrew Bauch
Tiffany Blair
Molly Brindle
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
July 16, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Commission
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 202 Lake Avenue – Front Porch Renovation
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the front porch
renovation at 202 Lake Avenue, which is located within the local Architectural Review District.
The house, a simple American Foursquare style, was built circa 1924 and is likely a kit house—
a popular housing type in the United States between 1908 and 1940. The neighborhood
surrounding 202 Lake Avenue features many similar kit houses, contributing to the area's
historic character.
Best preservation practices should be considered when reviewing the application:
• Every effort should be made to preserve an original or historic porch including the
original size, design and materials.
• If no historic evidence is available, the porch should match the design and materials
of the architectural style and period of the historic building.
The Foundation does not object to the installation of an additional column or the proposed
latticework. However, the Foundation does not support resurfacing the columns with stone nor
the addition of bluestone caps as they are not in keeping with the style of the house. The
columns should be repaired in-kind.
The Foundation also does not support the removal of the existing stair cheek walls nor the
proposed handrail. The cheek walls are a contributing historic feature to the property. The
foundation, cheek walls, and columns have the same material, indicating that it is the original
treatment and every effort should be made to preserve them. It recommends a simple metal
handrail, similar the previous handrail as seen in 2014 Google Map photo (see attached).
Historically, American Four Squares and kit homes had matching asphalt shingle roofs or flat
metal roofs. The Foundation recommends replacement in-kind or a flat metal roof to be
consistent with the style of the house.
The Foundation appreciates the investment the owners are making into their home.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: John & Christina Mandara, Applicant
Tonya Yasenchak, PE
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