HomeMy WebLinkAbout20191044 Wexler Residence SSPF 11-18-19 Preservation Foundation
November 18, 2019
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
F0 It, l/// Design Review Commission
PRESERVATION City Hall
1' 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 179 Nelson Avenue—Roof Replacement
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has reviewed the application for the roof
replacement at 192 Circular Street.
Board of Directors This vernacular gable front residence, c. 1890 is a"contributing building"to the East
Side Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Adam N.Favro
President
The applicant proposes the removal of the existing roof which has a mix of slate, asphalt
James Gold shingle and rolled asphalt roofing and replacing all of the roofing materials with asphalt
Vice President shingles. Economics of a project are not to be considered when reviewing an application
Linda Harvey-Opiteck for alteration. The review of this application should be based on the following portions
Secretary of the Historic Review Ordinance:
Dmitriy Yermolayev
Treasurer 240-7.10 Major Building Elements
(4) Roofs. Features that give a roof its essential historic character shall be preserved
Matthew Veitch
Past President whenever possible. Roof designs for new structures shall be compatible with
surrounding buildings.
Caroline Cardane
Giovanna D'Orazio
Brennan Drake The intent of the City of Saratoga Springs Historic Review ordinance is to preserve as
Sandra Fox much of the historic fabric of our community's historic resources as possible. The
John Haller Standards state:
Liz Israel
Samantha Kercull
Douglas Kerr A. Preserve rather than remove
Richard King
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis Distinguishing original features of a structure or site are essential to the historic
Cindy Spence quality and character of that site. Distinguishing original qualities or character of
a structure, site and/or its environment shall be preserved and protected to the
James Kettlewell maximum extent possible. Destruction or alteration of any historic material or
emeritus distinctive architectural features should be avoided.
Executive Director B. Repair rather than replace
Samantha Bosshart Distinctive architectural features that characterize a structure or site shall be
Membership& repaired rather than replaced whenever possible. If replacement is necessary,the
Programs Director replacement materials should match the original in composition, design, color,
Nicole Battle texture and other visual qualities.
Per the Historic District Design Guidelines for Roofs:
• The original size, shape and pitch of the roof should be maintained.
112 Spring Street. ',lit, 2iJ1
Saratoga Springs. N Y 13466
P 518-587-5030 F51zi-5till4- ;
• Altering the roofline should be avoided if it redefines the architectural style of
the structure.
• Repair and maintain original roofing materials whenever possible.
• If replacement is necessary,the roof should match the original design, size,
shape, materials and texture or should be based on historic evidence. If no
historic evidence is available, the roof should match in design and materials the
architectural style and period of the historic building.
• The use of rolled roofing is discouraged except for flat roofs.
• The use of plastic, fiberglass or tar and gravel roofing materials is also
discouraged on historic and contributing structures.
• Roof details, including eaves, cornice, gable-end trim and the entablature, should
be maintained and preserved whenever possible as they contribute and define the
architectural character of the structure.
• A building cornice acts as a sculptural "cap"with three-dimensional depth and
shadows. Cornices should be prominent and scaled to visually balance the
facade.
The Foundation feels strongly that it is important for the building to retain as much of its
original character-defining features as possible. The Foundation encourages the repair
and retention of the existing slate roof material versus the proposed architectural asphalt
shingles.
The use of the New York State Historic Homeowners Tax Credit,which provides a 20%
tax credit for rehabilitation, including roof repair as well as many other repairs such as
mechanicals,may offset the cost of roof replacement in-kind.
If it is determined that it is not prudent and feasible to retain the original slate material the
Foundation recommends using a standard seam metal roof or a synthetic slate.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
/1/. ‹tA0o., /1%- 74 /ozs/
Adam Favro Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Karen Wexler and Jeff Farina, Applicant
Bradley Birge,Administrator of the Office of Planning and Economic Development