The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About20260194 722 N Broadway Exterior Modification - Window and Balustrade SSPFBoard of Directors C. Christopher Armer President Sheila Sperling Vice President Tiffany Blair Secretary Kira Karbocus Treasurer Molly Brindle Joseph DeLeva Steven Dodds Michele Funiciello James Gold Alex Kammler Stuart Kaufman Vincent LaTerra Samantha Nass Michelle Paquette-Deuel Ellen Sheehan Jason Thomas Roger Woody James Kettlewell emeritus Staff Samantha Bosshart Executive Director Dianne Winter Development Director Stephanie Hadley Administrative Assistant Patricia Herrick Bookkeeper March 25, 2026 Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair Design Review Board City Hall 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 RE: 722 North Broadway – Exterior Alterations Dear Tamie, The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application for the exterior alterations at 722 North Broadway. The 1886 Queen Anne residence was designed by prominent local architect S. Gifford Slocum. James Kettlewell, local architectural historian and author, describes 722 North Broadway as “a richly ornamental version of Slocum’s Queen Anne style…the architect included the entire Queen Anne vocabulary in a single design. One of the finest examples of Slocum’s decorative talents, the exterior and interior of the Kilmer House present some of the best ornamental details from this period in architecture of Saratoga Springs.” The asymmetrical design with hipped roof and lower cross gables features two towers, a variety of wall textures, and a wrap-around porch. It is a contributing building to the Broadway Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Foundation supports the restoration of the balcony turned wood balustrade on the south elevation since it is based on a historic photo. However, it does not support the proposed addition of a window for egress on the southeast elevation of the square tower, a significant character defining feature. Per the letter dated October 6, 2021, the Foundation did not support the addition of the stained-glass window to the tower, citing several historic district design guidelines (please see attached). The bedroom had the required egress through an opening on the balcony until the owner’s approved proposal to add a stained-glass window to the balcony. The Foundation does not believe that the Design Review Board would have approved the addition of the stained- glass window if it required the addition of an egress window. If the stained-glass window cannot be constructed in a way to serve as an egress, the Foundation recommends that the existing opening remains. As always, the Foundation appreciates the significant investment the owners continue to make into this magnificent example of Queen Anne architecture in Saratoga Springs. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration. Sincerely, C. Christorpher Armer Samantha Bosshart President Executive Director Cc: Robert J. Klein, Applicant Matt Hurff, Frost Hurff Architects Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs 112 Spring Street, Suite 203 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-5030 www.saratogapreservation.org Board of Directors Adam Favro President Michele Funiciello Vice President Linda L. Harvey Secretary Dmitriy Yermolayev Treasurer Tiffany Blair Jaime Butler Steven Dodds Giovanna D’Orazio Julia Dunn Sandra Fox James Gold John Haller Richard King Stephen Kyne Vincent LaTerra Samantha Nass Dorothy Rogers-Bullis Sheila Sperling Jason Thomas Maddy Zanetti James Kettlewell emeritus Executive Director Samantha Bosshart Membership & Programs Director Nicole Babie October 6, 2021 Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair Design Review Commission City Hall 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 RE: 722 North Broadway – Exterior Alterations Dear Tamie: The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the application to install two stained glass windows and a new screen/storm door at 722 North Broadway. The residence at 722 North Broadway was designed by prominent local architect S. Gifford Slocum. It was constructed in 1886 for James Pardue, but later was the residence of Clarence B. Kilmer, a prominent local attorney, and his family for 60 years. James Kettlewell, local architectural historian and author, describes 722 North Broadway as “a richly ornamental version of Slocum’s Queen Anne style…the architect included the entire Queen Anne vocabulary in a single design. One of the finest examples of Slocum’s decorative talents, the exterior and interior of the Kilmer House present some of the best ornamental details from this period in the architecture of Saratoga Springs.” The asymmetrical design with hipped roof with lower cross gables features two towers, a variety of wall textures, and wrap-around porch. It is a contributing building to the Broadway Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Foundation had difficulty reviewing the application because it lacked detailed information regarding the installation of the two stained glass windows, such as the dimensions of the proposed stained glass windows and trim as well as the exact placement. With additional information, the Foundation most likely would not object to the installation of the window on the south façade. However, the Foundation has significant concerns regarding the enclosing of the porch with the visible distinctive tower with bulbous roof with a stained glass window. Per Porches and Decks Historic District Design Guidelines, the following are applicable when reviewing this application:  Every effort should be made to preserve an original or historic porch including the original size, design, and materials.  Rear and side porches can be important architectural features of a building, especially for buildings that are located on corner lots; they should be preserved.  If unavoidable, a porch enclosure should be reversible. The new enclosure should be designed to minimize any adverse visual impact and should be made of complimentary materials. Screens should be set behind the columns and railings to preserve the original appearance of the porch. The use of retractable screens may be appropriate provided that the storage and mechanisms are concealed from view. 112 Spring Street, Suite 203 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-5030 www.saratogapreservation.org It is unlikely that this porch was enclosed when it was constructed. The owner provided an undated photograph of the porch showing it enclosed with glass panes, a typical treatment for enclosing porches. The Foundation would not object to restoring the glass enclosure as seen in the photograph because it is based on historic documentation. The proposed plan to install a stained glass window is not a typical treatment for a porch enclosure. The Foundation remains concerned that the proposed new enclosure does not minimize any adverse visual impact, but increases the visual impact. While the Foundation appreciates that the owner selected a storm/screen door that is Victorian in style, the Foundation recommends a simple single- or two-pane screen/storm door that does not obscure and distract from the unique wood paneled Dutch door, a character-defining feature of the house. Per the Windows and Doors Historic District Design Guidelines, Screen/Storm Windows & Doors:  The installation of screen/storm windows and doors should be reversible and should not damage the original door or window openings.  Screen/storm windows and doors should match the size of the existing opening and should have a narrow perimeter frame so as not to obscure the design and decorative detailing of historic doors and windows. Consider the installation of interior storms.  Screen/storm windows and doors should be simple and avoid decorative elements that are not consistent with the architecture of the building.  Contemporary materials should be painted or clad to match or complement the existing building trim. Unpainted metal is inappropriate on historic or contributing structures. The Foundation appreciates the significant investment that the owners have made in their residence and carriage house. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration. Sincerely, Adam N. Favro Samantha Bosshart President Executive Director Cc: Robert Klein, Applicant Amanda Tucker, Senior Planner