Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Robert West; Richard Martin; Karen Cavotta; SKYPE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman LATE ARRIVAL: Leslie DiCarlo arrived at 7:14P.M. ABSENT: Cynthia Corbett STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being recorded for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript of the recording. A. PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the intent of the consent agenda is to identify any applications that appear to be “approvable” without the need for further evaluation or discussion. If any DRC member or member of the audience wishes to discuss/explore any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the “consent agenda” and dealt with individually. 1. 2016.006 CLASSICAL CONCEPTS/AVEDA, 323-325 Broadway, Historic Review of a sign within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if any member of the Commission has any questions or concerns regarding the consent agenda item. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience had any questions or comments on the item on the consent agenda. None heard. Steven Rowland made a motion in the matter of the application of the Classic Concepts/Aveda, 323-325 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0  B. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATIONS: 2. 2014.121.1 TROUTT REAR PORCH MODIFICATIONS, 737 North Broadway, Historic Review of rear porch modifications within the Urban Residential-1 District. Agent: Michael Tuck, Christine Nickerson, Balzer & Tuck Architects Mr. Tuck stated they are before the Commission this evening to discuss a previously approved porch design on the back of an existing residence. A visual diagram was presented and provided to the Commission. Plans, elevations and drawings were reviewed. Original submission was a porch with columns around it. The owners request was to devise a plan without the columns. We have removed the supports and changed the shape of the gable. We are proposing larger stone piers at the corners which would be a similar footprint to what was originally proposed. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this was originally submitted for Administrative Approval, however, I felt it was a bit more involved that what we normally approve administratively. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Trout Rear Porch Modification, 737 North Broadway, Historic Review of rear porch modifications that the application be approved as submitted. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Commission member Leslie DiCarlo arrived at 7:14 P.M. The agenda was heard out of order due to the lack of representation for Agenda Item #3. Steven Rowland, Chairman recused from the following application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the Chair. 3. 2016.001 55 PHILA MIXED-USE BUIDING, 55 Phila Street, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency for Architectural Review of a new mixed use structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: Matt Hurff, Frost & Hurff Architects; Sonny Bonacio, Tony Bonacio, Bill Willard, Bonacio Construction Mr. Hurff stated we are before the Commission this evening for consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency. We will briefly walk you through the project. A visual presentation of the project was provided to the Commission. We are proposing building a four-story building adjacent to Café Lena. Several photographic streetscape views were provided for the Commissions review. We are proposing a small open courtyard and a shared circulation corridor. A new elevator and new stairs. Commercial property on the lower level with residential above. Parking lot in the rear off of Henry Street. Two to three residential units are proposed. A green roof is proposed on a portion of the roof. Materials and final designs are being formulated at this time. Our main objective is to provide you with the Mass and Scale of the project at this time. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Page 2 of 7 Connector piece was reviewed and also a view of the proposed landscaping surrounding the proposed new structure. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if any member of the Commission has any questions or concerns or comments. None heard. Discussion ensued regarding the type of materials proposed to be used on the building as well as the location of mechanicals. The height of the proposed building was also discussed. Mr. Tony Bonacio stated he does have a letter from the neighbor at 55 Phila Street in support of this project. Mr. Sonny Bonacio stated a cross access easement being investigated with the neighbor. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated this is more of a procedural issue this evening with deferral of SEQRA Lead Agency. However, is there is anyone in the audience who wished to speak regarding this application? Peter Martin, Board member Café Lena and resident of Saratoga Springs. I do want to take this opportunity to say this is a godsend for Café Lena and for this building. This was approved unanimously and enthusiastically by the entire Board. This helps with our needs and we are very excited. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of 55 Phila Street that the DRC defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek it. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed the duties of the Chair. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed the duties of the Vice Chair. 4. 2013.070.2 CONGRESS HALL CONDOMINIUMS, 322 Broadway/7 Spring Street, Historic Review of exterior Modifications to an existing structure within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Mr. Grodski, owner Agent: Mr. Kerzan, architect Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Commission did make a site visit to this property to look over the building. We did have a few thoughts on some things that did not look appropriate on the building considering its historic nature. Concerning the cupola on the top, looking at the south elevation the rhythm of the windows is off. Currently you have a single double hung window off to the left and then a single fenestration/picture window adjacent to it. We felt this was an odd combination and 3 double hung windows would have been better. Currently at the base of it you are seeing the pressure treated wood of the deck. We would like to see that trimmed out with fiber cement or Azak product. We are not aware of your railing choice. Mr. Grodski stated he was proposing using metal cables between the posts. Discussion ensued regarding the choice of railing materials. The Commission felt it looks unfinished with the cables being City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Page 3 of 7 invisible from a distance. It was the consensus of the Commission for the applicant to use a top railing with the cable system below for a more finished look. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated moving to the south façade and the bottom treatment especially the joint lines which were painted on. The stucco looks ok. A suggestion was made to bring the same color down to the bottom of the building. It will look like the wall adjacent to it. Also there is one white window on this side of the building. Mr. Grodski stated he will comply with the request of the Commission. Mr. Grodski stated on this side of the building concerning the bricked in window, the applicant would like to either put a window in this space or some type of artistic poster. This window looks boarded up. Richard Martin stated the bricked in window is doing what it is supposed to do. In this historic building it is denoting that a window existed here at one time. The brick is a more appropriate finish. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated on the east façade the vent penetrations should be painted out with brick color on all sides. Richard Martin stated on the on the south east corner to the north façade the finish which was used was not completed leaving areas open to see the substrate material. That needs to be filled in. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated if the application were applied for in proper fashion there are a few items we would have noted are not appropriate to the building. Such as the coins on the corner, the artificial arches and sills at the double hung windows, and lastly the stone at the base. Richard Martin stated the stone is not appropriate to the time or the building. It would be better if it was all brick on the base. Brick would relate to the rest of the building. Painting the alley gables a brick color would provide some rhythm. The applicant stated the entrance to the condominiums is a very dark alley. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated there are many ways to mitigate a dark alley entrance without sacrificing the façade of a historic building. Lighting and landscaping for example. I am horrified what you have done to that north elevation. It is inappropriate. Mr. Grodski stated awnings have been approved for doorways. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated back in July of 2015 it was stated that the applicant will return for full Commission review of cupola, windows and signage. I don’t see anything beyond that. Karen Cavotta stated we are asking the applicant to remove the stone and replace it with brick. We will need an example of the brick for a color sample. The upper façade vinyl windows to be painted bronze. Kevin Canyon, Cerrone Development. Take the south side of the building and brick the lower portion where the new stone is removed and bring the brick up to replace the coins which are present. Returns on the east side to match. Discussion ensued regarding the paint color for the building and brick areas. Also the Commission discussed their concern regarding the corners of the buildings. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the stucco should continue just remove the coins. The brick columns on the edges will just draw attention those edges. The building originally had a continuous façade back there. Breaking it up makes the problem worse. I like the idea of making it all one material back there with the exception of the base. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Page 4 of 7 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the coins look like individual stones. They look like 8 x 8 or 8 x 12 stone coins going up which is inappropriate to the building. If they look like a brick relief detail, it looks like it would make more sense. We still have stucco façade between those two corners and it ends up looking like someone plastered over the original brick. I do not have a problem with the coins being redone as a brick relief pattern because they will look like individual bricks instead of 8 inch high stones. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated what one of the questions you have before you during Historic Review is to maintain or bring details back to their original aspect. You are cautioned against adding new details that don’t relate or are brand new to the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we are now faced with the possibility that if we remove what we all thought was inappropriate material in the first place we will end up with a worse condition underneath it. We are trying to find a way to get somewhere in between. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated we are unfortunately stuck with the stucco. Removing it will cause worse damage. We are not stuck with the coins. Obviously, we all want the coins removed. Just continue the stucco material. I do not like the idea of fake columns going up. If the applicant were to do that how would you suggest handling where the column meets the base? Mr. Grodski does not understand why the brick cannot go up and frame the building. Richard Martin stated regarding the brick stone on the bottom and brick columns. This detail is on the other side of the building. We are just duplicating a look on the other side of the building. Discussion ensued regarding the brick column detailing on the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Jeff Pfeil. There are a lot of points here that need to be added to the plans, otherwise there will be misinterpretation. You really need drawings for the record. Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated she does concur with the Commission concerning the rhythm of the three windows on the cupola which was spoken about and needs to be addressed. There does need to be more detailing or presentation about what the railing would look like on the cupola. I do not think that the two vinyl windows fit the historic window opening nor do they fit the arch that was there historically. Typically, the Commission does not approve vinyl windows so those two vinyl windows should be replaced with an appropriate window. They should not be painted. I also agree drawings need to be completed so they can be reviewed as well as have a better understanding of the materials and colors. A simple pilaster on the north elevation would be a better solution than to try to mimic those coins. I hesitate to have the pilasters be faux brick, a simple pilaster straight edge would be preferred. The back of the building was simple with some awnings and lighting fixtures. I discourage the brick coins or pilasters. Let’s try to put it back the way it was historically. Without drawings, materials samples and paint samples more information in necessary. Steven Rowland, Chairman recommended viewing paint samples and materials on site. We will do this on one of our caravans. This will be followed up at the next Commission meeting. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development reviewed the items discussed. -Cupola, the windows up on top will be removed, the picture window and replaced with two double hung windows to create a symmetrical rhythm pattern with the existing window up there. -Skirting, the pressure treated wood will be wrapped to cover, either painting it out or covering it with a material that is white. -Railing- a single top rail was proposed with the cable below. This should be identified on the plans. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Page 5 of 7 -South façade the stucco finish and color to run to the ground. Remove the stone finish appearance. The sheath underneath the white window will be painted bronze. -The penetrations will be painted out. Illustrated on the drawing as well. -North façade remove the faux stone and remove artificial arches and coins and bring the stucco down to the brick water table, roughly the same height as the current stone. -On the corners a straight pilaster is recommended, running from grade to the drip. The column should be raised more than the brick veneer. -The repaired stucco will be painted a color that also matches the upper color of the façade which is complimentary to the new brick color, and the brick on the building. -The upper façade windows (2) vinyl windows should be replaced with windows that better fill the space and match those which are currently on the building. -Ultimately these items will be completed prior to the issuance of the C.O. -Drawings detailing all of the above listed information prepared and presented in advance of the site visit. -Site visit will be scheduled upon receipt of the above listed plans. -Following site visit the application will be placed back on the DRC agenda. -Details on lighting, awnings and signage could also be included at this time. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated as soon as the information is received by staff the site visit will be scheduled. 5. 2016.005 HOFFMAN CARWASH, 2214 Ballston Avenue (NYS RTE 50), Architectural Review of a new Car wash within the Highway General Business District. Applicant: Ron Sloan, President, Hoffman Development; Marty Andrews, Facilities Director Agent: Mike Phinney, Principal, Phinney Design Group; Gavin Vuillame, Environmental Design Partnership Mr. Phinney reviewed the project site and surrounding buildings, vegetative buffers and signage. Mr. Vuillame provided some history of the Site Plan which was approved by the Planning Board. We had several design scenarios which were presented. The one constant which stayed the same is the location of the building. Several renderings of the driveway placement were provided. We will share a driveway with Adirondack Trust. All entrance/exit will be at that site. Mr. Vuillame reviewed the circulation of the site. The parking lot is in the rear of the building. This is an area to be used for vacuuming. Small escape lane is also provided. Mr. Phinney reviewed the floor plan of the building which is approximately 100 feet long. The Hoffman’s were looking for a new prototype for this building in the gateway entrance to the City, in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and also within Zoning Guidelines. We bring a style to the building which appears two stories and has more detail than their previous prototypes. We have created some bump outs and shifted the building façade a bit. Mr. Phinney reviewed all elevations. The building has an architectural asphalt roof, standing seam metal up in the cupolas. We have added this canopy element to enhance the bump outs, and the entrances and exit ways. Ground face CMU’s will be used for a heavy brick look in an off white color. The base will be Champlain Stone, real stone. Windows will be Marvin Integrity Line - a fiberglass-based window. The lower portion of these windows will be etched since the chemicals used in the car wash process can etch glass anyway. The upper windows will be clear, there will be some lighting in those at night similar to a lantern. Mechanicals will be painted out to match the ground face and the roof penetrations will be painted out to match the roof. All penetrations will be on the rear side of the building. Sign prototype was provided. Champlain stone will be used here as well. Vacuum tech system information was provided. All soffit materials will be white metal ribbed. Barn lighting on several facades, gable ends and site lighting which has been previously approved via light poles on the site. Sample materials were provided for the Commission’s review. Discussion among the Commission and the applicant concerning the monument signage. The “open” sign was discussed. It was the consensus of the Commission that the open sign could be mounted on the center inside window. Richard Martin stated he is impressed with materials and architecture. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Page 6 of 7 Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this is a welcome site to see. A company willing to go above and beyond and spend some money on materials makes a difference. Only one item I am struggling with is the cupola overhangs. They seem a little too wide. The caps seems heavy. Discussion ensued concerning the overhangs and the applicant is willing to reduce the overhangs on the bump outs. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the Hoffman Carwash, 2214 Ballston Avenue that the application be approved with the following conditions – the gable end overhands to be reduced to 18” and 14” respectively. Sign to be brought to the front elevation from proposed north gable end. Both signs to be internally lit. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPLICATION TABLED 2. 2016.002 SAUTTER EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS, 150 Washington Street, Architectural Review of Exterior modifications within the Urban Residential-3 District. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Richard Martin made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2015 and July 15, 2015, Design Review Commission as submitted. Steven Rowland, Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, abstained MOTION PASSES: 5-0-1 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:45 P. M. Respectfully submitted, City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Page 7 of 7  Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 1/18/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Page 8 of 7