HomeMy WebLinkAbout2501 Bethesda Church 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 30, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Commission
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 19 Washington Street – Relocation of Structure & New Construction,
Advisory Opinion
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the submission to relocate the
building at 19 Washington Street.
Built circa 1840, the two-story limestone Greek Revival residence is a contributing
building to the Broadway Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic
Places.
Best preservation practice is for a historic building to remain in its original location. Should
the building be moved, the building will no longer be listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Should the Design Review Board approve relocation and Bethesda
Episcopal Church, which will ultimately own the building, want to pursue funding,
including syndicating rehabilitation tax credits, the new site would need to be evaluated for
potential relisting.
The integrity of the site of 19 Washington Street has been compromised by the recently
completed large condominium building that is in close proximity to the existing historic
building, a concern that was expressed by the Foundation at the time the building was
proposed. Therefore, the Foundation does not object to the relocation of the building.
In regard to the new building at 19 Washington Street that is proposed to be constructed
once the historic building is moved, the Foundation does not object to the mass and scale,
but has concerns with the front setback because it may negatively impact the viewshed of
Universal Preservation Hall, the 1871 Methodist Church that was adaptively reused into a
performing arts and events space. The Foundation will review additional design details for
the proposed building should the owner submit a formal application.
In regard to the proposed hyphen that will connect the relocated historic building to
Bethesda Episcopal Church, the 1842 church designed by famed British American architect
Richard Upjohn, the Foundation has significant concerns with the proposed design.
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction – Additions:
• Building additions should not look as though they are original to the historic
building. They should be distinct from, and identifiable as an addition to, the
historic structure. Stepping down the roof line or stepping back from the primary
façade may achieve this.
• An addition should be smaller in scale than the original building so that it does not
overshadow the existing building. It should complement the original building’s
roof form, massing, floor heights, proportion and window and door fenestration. 112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
• An addition should be located where it is least visible and designed to minimally
affect the perception of the original structure.
• Additions should not obscure, damage or destroy the character-defining features
of the primary building or streetscape.
• Additions should be constructed so that, if removed in the future, the historic
integrity of the building or its materials would not be irreparably damaged.
• Materials and details should be similar to, or complement, the primary structure.
The Foundation is of the opinion that the proposed hyphen should not be of a similar design
or material as the church nor the relocated historic building. The hyphen should be distinct
from, and identifiable from the historic structures. The Foundation recommends the hyphen
be a modern design that is transparent, similar to the east addition of Universal Preservation
Hall that serves as its primary entrance. The Foundation also has concerns about the
openings that would be made to provide access to both historic structures as additions
should be constructed so that if removed in the future, the integrity of the historic buildings
is not irreparably damaged.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: J. Michael Ingersoll, LA Group
Susan Barden, Administrator OPED, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs