HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250385 624 N Broadway UUC Demolition & Construction SSPF Letter #2Board 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 Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 624 North Broadway New Construction
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for new construction
at 624 North Broadway.
The site of the proposed new construction is within the boundaries of the Broadway Historic
District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. North Broadway is a residential
boulevard lined with summer houses of a variety of architectural styles - Greek Revival
Italianate, Queen Anne, Romanesque, Shingle, and Colonial Revival - set on large lots.
The Foundation does not oppose the demolition of the existing structure at 624 North Broadway
nor does it oppose the redevelopment of the site with a four-unit structure as allowed by zoning.
Per City of Saratoga Springs UDO – Article 13 H.2. Design Considerations:
a. Height
The Design Review Board must consider whether the height of the proposed structure is
comparable with the historic form and context of the site, and neighboring properties and
with any specific zoning district intent.
b. Scale
The Design Review Board must consider whether the scale of the proposed structure is
compatible with the relationship of the building and its architectural elements to
neighboring structures, and character of the historic setting.
c. Mass and Open Space
The Design Review Board must consider whether the relationship of the dimension and
mass of a building to the open space between it and adjoining buildings is compatible with
the character of the neighboring area and with any specific zoning district intent.
d. Proportion
The Design Review Board must consider whether the proposed structure and its
architectural elements, including front façades, windows, doors, and bays, are consistent
with the dominate proportion of the neighboring structures and site.
e. Directional Expression
The Design Review Board must consider whether the directional expression of a building
and the architectural elements are compatible with the dominate horizontal and vertical
expression of neighboring buildings.
f. Architectural Rhythm
The Design Review Board must consider whether the architectural rhythmic pattern
resulting from repeated elements such as window and door openings, columns, arches, and
other facade elements is consistent within the subject structure and consistent with
neighboring structures.
g. Front Setback
The front setback for the building line of all new construction must be compatible with
neighboring buildings and any specific zoning district intent.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for New Construction:
New Buildings:
• Architectural styles for new construction should reflect and represent the period in
which it was 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.
• The placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with neighboring
buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and façade setback is recommended.
• Building mass should be appropriate to the size of the lot. A large lot can generally
accommodate a larger structure, while a small structure is more appropriate for a
smaller lot.
• 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.
• Façade rhythm should maintain the vertical or horizontal emphasis that is prevalent on
the street.
• Porches are significant architectural features and typical of residences of Saratoga
Springs.
• Porches appropriate to mass and scale of the building are encouraged in new
construction.
• Primary entrances to the building should orient to the street and will be well
designated.
• New construction materials should be compatible with and complement the
surrounding historic buildings. Contemporary materials may be used provided they
do not negatively impact on the historic character of the neighboring buildings. The
use of vinyl is discouraged.
The Foundation believes that the proposed design is not in keeping with the Historic Review
Design Considerations as outlined in the UDO nor the Historic District Design Guidelines for
New Construction. The proposed design is not compatible or consistent with the neighborhood
in a variety of ways – proportion, directional expression, architectural rhythm, front setback,
rooflines and shapes, windows and doors, and porches.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Artem Golynkin – Omni Build, Applicant
Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Owner
Susan Barden, Administrator OPED, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs