HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250531 172 Caroline St Lot 2 Demolition and Construction Letter from Saratoga Springs Preservation FoundationBoard 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
August 6, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 172 Caroline Street – Demolition & New Construction
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has reviewed the proposed plans for the
demolition and new construction at 172 Caroline Street.
Located at the rear of the property, the existing accessory structure appears on the 1926
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, confirming it is a historic structure. Accessory structures are
vital to understanding the full history of our city's development. Therefore, the Foundation
is opposed to the proposed demolition.
The site of the proposed new construction is the East Side Historic District listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The historic district represents a significant collection
of 19th century and early 20th century residential architecture. Styles include Greek Revival
Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival,
and Bungalow. Building materials vary greatly. The predominant exterior materials are
clapboard and brick. The district contains examples of both vernacular and high-style
residences which exhibit a cohesive character of compatible scale and integrity.
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.
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org
• 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.
• 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 does not object to a new single-family residence being constructed on the
site. However, it has concerns with the design including its horizontal emphasis, hierarchy
of stories, door and window fenestration, and porch detailing.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Charles & Erin Prichard, Applicant
Robert L. Flansburg / Dreamscapes, Agent
Susan Barden, Administrator OPED, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs