20210305 Cantina Sidewalk Cafe Mod Narrative Proposal to Design Review Commission:
Please see attached rendering for the façade and sidewalk patio for Cantina located at 408 Broadway.
We come before the Board to seek additional approval for---Three Black Outdoor Umbrellas---to be
installed on the sidewalk patio at 408 Broadway. Our intention is to utilize these umbrellas for the
duration of the allowed outdoor sidewalk cafe season---a time period from April 1-October 31.The
umbrellas when in use are approximately 9 feet above the sidewalk, remain within the existing
boundary of the patio and are supported and secured in place with a 1101b steel base. We have utilized
these umbrellas without incident for the past three years. The specifications for the umbrellas are
included herein. Black was chosen as the primary color because it coordinates with the black detailing
around the entry way and french doors of the facade and with the black gooseneck lights located on the
front façade. (Please see attached photos for review) Because of the permanent location of the outdoor
gooseneck lighting there is no means with which to attach a building-wide retractable awning on the
facade of the building.The umbrellas are made of the same material as the awnings of other
establishments on Broadway and provide a coordinated appearance in line with these other businesses.
In addition to enhancing the visual appeal of our building,the umbrellas provide needed shade for our
customers and make our patio more inviting and habitable during hot summer days.
As most are aware,the past year has been extremely challenging for the restaurant industry. Because of
COVID, outdoor seating is the most requested dining option by our customers.The City of Saratoga
Springs has been proactive in this regard,granting special use outdoor seating to restaurants and bars
throughout downtown. This expanded outdoor seating allowed restaurants additional tables, chairs,
planters and umbrellas directly on sidewalks and streets. Understandably, Cantina's location is
constrained by the traffic demands of Broadway, both on the road and on the sidewalk. While our
business was unable to take advantage of this additional seating allowance,we do feel it important to
have the opportunity to offer a competitive outdoor dining option to our customers, similar to what Is
offered by other restaurants throughout Saratoga Springs. In conclusion, our sidewalk patio and
umbrellas are an attractive, safe, and positive addition to our business, enhancing the streetscape of the
Broadway corridor and contributing to the overall vitality of Saratoga Springs.