Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Leslie DiCarlo; Chris Bennett; Richard Martin; Leslie Mechem 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 7:00 P.M. 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. POSSIBLE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the intent of a consent agenda is to identify any application that appears to be “approvable” without need for further evaluation or discussion. If anyone wishes to further discuss any proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the “consent agenda” and dealt with individually. 1. 2017.053 GEYSER LODGE FREESTANDING SIGN, 182 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of a Freestanding sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 2. 2017.054 LOCKETTES THE SALON SIGN, 95 East Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within The Urban Residential-2 District. 3. 2017.056 ASCENT WEALTH PARTNERS SIGN, 14 Lake Avenue, Historic Review of a sidewalk café Within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. 4. 2017.057 PINT SIZED SIDEWALK CAFÉ, 489 Broadway, Historic Review of a sidewalk café within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. 5. 2017.058 SPA CITY WINE & SPIRITS, 129 Ballston Avenue, Architectural Review of a wall sign within The Highway General Business District. 6. 2017.059 SARATOGA HOSPITAL FREESTANDING SIGN, 19 West Avenue, Architectural Review of a Freestanding sign within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on any consent agenda items. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion for Agenda Items 1- 6 that each application be approved as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 B. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATIONS: 7. 2017.061 HENRY ST. CONDOS, 128 Henry Street, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (Architectural Review) for a residential condominium building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will be receiving a presentation on this exciting project. Tonight the only action taken will be for consideration of Lead Agency Status. Applicant: Robert Boucher, Architect and Developer Mr. Boucher stated this project is a proposed 30 unit condominium project on Henry Street called “The Modern”. I am the architect and developer of the project. I am trying to bring a different design vernacular to the City. This project has many design firsts from the balconies to the completely green community roof. What I am proposing on the façade level is a complete pedestrian experience gallery dedicated free of charge to the art organizations in Saratoga. They will be acclimatized vignettes. They will have seasonal plantings in the built in planters, properly lit and a very exciting streetscape because the focus will be on the art work. The accents, the color, the glazing is a full height glass. The units have full height glass. They have integral decks, movable glass wall decks. All the lighting is dark sky compliant but everything on the building will be integrated into the columns on the inside toward the decks. Nothing will be on the ceiling or the roof structure. Everything will cascade down on the covered loggias as well as the gallery space as well. The plinth blocks will also have lighting inside; a soft glow will not spill out. The roof is within the 50 ft. height restriction. There are two story penthouses on the upper floor with their own private terraces. The roof is completely green pedestrian inter connection space. There will be a dog park on the roof as well. Sustainable features are incorporated into the design and mechanical systems which we are still working on. Side entry to parking level and will discharge to the front. We will be using cedar accents. The color palette will be cool grays. Along Bank alley and the front of the building we are employing 80% eco- shades with opacity which automatically lower and raise. No glare no direct lighting. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is glad to see some new contemporary design and architecture in a good location. We will review this as it goes through the Land Use Board process. A few comments that we will be touching on is HVAC penetrations through the walls, what type of mechanicals show up on the roof. Balcony ceilings treatment and what can be seen from the street. This is to give you some guidance as the application goes forward. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Mr. Boucher stated the ceilings will have cedar accents which will spill down the wall. Mechanical systems, everything will be seated down on the roof. The drainage from the green roof will be into an underground system. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Henry Street Condos, 128 Henry Street the DRC will defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek it. Richard Martin seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 17, 2017 - Page 2 of 8 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 8. 2017.046 GROSSMAN RESIDENCE REAR ADDITION, 169 Union Avenue, Historic Review of exterior Modifications within the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak, Engineering America Ms. Yasenchak stated the applicant is before the Commission this evening with two applications. One is for a proposed rear addition to an existing residential structure. The second is for window replacements. The porch addition which is proposed is 10’ x 18’, which also encompasses a covered landing and stairs to the basement which is approximately 4’ x10’ in size. We have appeared before the Commission for an Advisory Opinion to the ZBA. We have received the necessary variances for the setbacks and coverage. The porch is proposed to be all wood with columns to match the front and balusters and there will be a small black metal rail above the wood rail to meet the requirements. Brick pilasters that will be under each of the posts and the Hip roof will be the same pitch as the front roof to keep the architecture along the side. Also, as part of this project the applicant will be removing the aluminum siding on the home and repairing the wood siding beneath either it will be scraped, and painted or repaired. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he is happy to see the changes and that the applicant is returning the building back to a single family house. A porch on this home is not inappropriate. Discussion ensued among the Commission regarding the railing, and the lattice underneath the porch in a square configuration. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further 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. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of the Grossman Residence Rear Addition, 169 Union Avenue that the application be approved as submitted or shown on the attached plans. Chris Bennett 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 9. 2017.040 GROSSMAN RESIDENTCE WINDOW REPLACEMENTS, 169 Union Avenue, Historic Review of window replacements within the Urban Residential-4 District. Agent: Tonya Yasenchak Ms. Yasenchak stated part of the renovations the owner is completing to bring the home back into good repair is the replacement of the windows. I have provided a survey of all the windows. A lot of them are in disrepair. One half of the City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 17, 2017 - Page 3 of 8 windows have aluminum storms the others do not. None of the windows have old glass in them. The glass had been replaced at some time. Only a handful of the windows operate. The point of replacing the windows is to improve energy efficiency. There are only several ways to increase energy efficiency and that is additional insulation in the walls. This is not an option due to the mass of the walls. Another large factor is the windows. The U factor of a single pane window is 1. I have not done an energy analysis on this home but I would be happy to do that if the Commission requests it. We are proposing a Marvin tilt pack. We are not changing the size of the windows or the location. We are really just changing the sashes, enabling us to insulate around the windows. In doing this it actually brings it back to better historic relief especially in the front façade removing the aluminum storm windows. Leslie Mechem questioned if the stained glass windows on the home would remain. Ms. Yasenchak stated the stained glass windows on the home will remain. Also a large window along the right side was installed in the 90’s and that window is also remaining. There are approximately 30 windows to be replaced. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned if these are replacement windows and will the outside trim remain. Ms. Yasenchak stated the outside trim will remain. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the guidelines indicate repair versus replacement. Wholesale replacement of 30 windows is a terrible mistake. A suggestion was made to look a few really bad irreparable windows and start there. Personally, I will not move an application with this many window replacements before us forward. Discussion ensued among the Board concerning the windows and number of windows to be replaced. Ms. Yasenchak reviewed some of the guidelines set forth by the Commission concerning windows replacement. Chris Bennett stated the basement and attic insulation provides additional energy efficiency. There have been recent articles noting the benefit of this type of added insulation versus window replacement. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman suggested inside storm windows. Ms. Yasenchak questioned the egress issue. Richard Martin stated he is for energy efficiency. Get rid of the lead and the storms. These are not our guidelines just my opinion and this is where we differ. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we are seeing more and more of this. We are trying to adhere to our guidelines. Other options which have come up in past applications are to maintain the front façade while allowing replacements in other locations. I don’t know if this fits in with what your client is trying to do. When we have allowed window replacements in historic homes we have held them to a very high standard. There are other options out there which will entail a greater cost but would better in replicating what is there. I like the fact that the exterior casing and trims would remain. Ms. Yasenchak stated there is no grill pattern in the windows proposed, so there really is no uniqueness about them. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development offered the Commission several options concerning how to proceed with the application this evening, either table the application for the evening, requesting more information. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated one area which has not been explored is what are the code implications for interior and exterior storm windows specifically bedroom windows. Discussion ensued concerning the replacement of windows and code enforcement issues. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 17, 2017 - Page 4 of 8 Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated what the Commission is recommending is more information on the code enforcement issues. Also is there an opportunity to re-pane some of the windows on the primary façade. If there are replacement windows proposed a better quality window more historically accurate window rather than the tilt backs. Ms. Yasenchak stated she will speak to her client and return before the Commission with additional information. 10. 2017.049 DOLINSKY RESIDENCE WINDOW REPLACEMENTS, 40 Fifth Avenue, Historic Review of window replacements within the Urban Residential-1 District. Applicants: Christopher and Andy Dolinsky Agent: Jim Sasko, Teakwood Builders. Mr. Sasko stated he is before the Commission this evening requesting approval for the replacement of six windows on the front elevation of the home at 40 Fifth Avenue. The windows which will be replaced are not original to the home and are in fact Marvin Tilt Packs. The problem with these windows when not installed correctly they leak a lot of air. I have included photographs of the current windows for the Commission’s review. The true issue with these current windows is there is a lot of weather damage. Part of our replacement of the windows is the in kind mill work and the replacement restoration of the bays which are sagging. We are proposing Pella Architect series windows. Chris Bennett stated he has made a site visit and can attest to the condition of the windows. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there is a difference in these applications and the key difference is windows which are proposed to be replaced have already been replaced. The original fabric is gone. If we replace historic windows with replacements we want them to be the best units possible. The series the applicant has chosen will replicate what where there with the same muntin patterns with simulated divided lights so it will look correct. Also the trims being repaired is a step in the right direction. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further 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. Leslie Mechem made a motion in the matter of the Dolinsky Residence Window Replacements, 40 Fifth Avenue that the application be approved as submitted. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 11. 2017.047 DIZZY CHICKEN EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS, 102 Congress Street, Architectural Review of Signage and exterior modifications of an existing building within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicants: Justin & Anna Maria Bartlett Mr. Bartlett stated we are hoping to replace the siding. It is vinyl siding and is in disrepair. The backside of the building is covered in grease from the old restaurant. Initially we thought about residing and we have looked into alternatives. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 17, 2017 - Page 5 of 8 We are proposing LP Smart siding which is a wood siding product and we have brought samples for the Commission’s review. We are proposing AZAK for the railings, with black aluminum balusters. The porch will remain as is and we will wrap the posts at that time with aluminum. Samples were provided to the Commission of the proposed LP siding. Chris Bennett stated the previous owner did some renovation work on the porches. He recommended to the applicant that they consider painting the columns and railings versus replacing and renovating them, and simply replace the siding. Mr. Bartlett stated they would also like to install gas light fixtures on the porch. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he agrees with Chris concerning the porch leaving the balusters to be painted. In terms of the siding it is better than the vinyl which currently exists. Richard Martin stated he has used this smart siding product and it is a good product. Steven Rowland, Chairman discussed the proposed width of the corner boards and trim. A suggestion was made for 6” width for corner boards and 4” around the windows. Shutters that are added that are not proportionate to the window we would rather not see them at all. I don’t believe shutters were a part of this original building. Moving onto signage. Discussion ensued among the Commission concerning the proposed signage and placement on the building and color. Suggestions were provided to the applicant concerning permanent signage. Chris Bennett provided a recommendation for a train station style type of signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated in order to pursue a better balance and rhythm of the building, an interim temporary sign is proposed for a period of 90 days until a zoning ordinance is obtained for permanent signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further 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. Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of the Dizzy Chicken, Exterior Modifications, 102 Congress Street that the application be approved with the following conditions: keep the railings, balusters and columns and are to be painted. That the trim be a nominal 6” width for corner boards and a nominal 4” around the windows. The gas lights as proposed (two units) are approved. No shutters on the building. In reference to the sign an onsite visit will be made by the Commission as to aesthetics, rhythm and placement of the sign. A temporary sign would be allowed for a period of up to 90 days at which time a permanent sign will be needed. Leslie Mechem seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman clarified whether the site visit will be of a temporary banner. The Commission concurred that the site visit will be of the temporary banner. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 17, 2017 - Page 6 of 8  12. 2017.060 UNIVERSAL PRESERVATION HALL EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS, 25 Washington Street, Architectural Review of new lobby and elevator tower within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Teddie Foster, UPH Agent: Mark Thayler, Lacy, Thayler, Reilly and Wilson Architecture and Preservation, LLP Mr. Thayler provided a visual presentation and overview of the project. The project itself is to provide accessibility to the building. We have an accessible entrance which will be the lobby entrance. This will bring you into the community room and that will be the pre-event space. Patrons can either access the stairs or the elevator to enter into the entertainment area. There are two pieces of which will be added to the building. One is the brick tower which will house the elevator; the other is the low glass box for the lobby. This project is by necessity, being funded in part by federal and state historic preservation tax credits. We are following the Secretary of the Interior standards for rehabilitation. Everything is being reviewed by first the NYS Historic Preservation Office which has already basically signed off on everything. They have made a recommendation to the National Park Service who has just gotten it and hasn’t yet made a recommendation which we expect in the next 6 to 8 weeks. We are trying to create something that fits with the character of the existing building, yet at the same time is clearly a definable addition. It is not something that is the same yet is trying to blend in. At the same time this is a great performance venue and we are looking to create some buzz. Mr. Thayler reviewed the materials and the lighting for the Commission’s review. The brick work will match the existing building. At the foundation the existing building has a limestone base, very rusticated and very difficult to match exactly. On the base of the tower we are using a mid-tone granite that will actually look modern and the same coloration. Bases of the columns same sort of material there. For the piers and the fascia we are actually matching the Ohio sandstone trims that are on the building. All of the glazing is just an anodized aluminum curtain wall system. On the bottom of the glass below the rail will be more of a frosted glass along the base. Perforated metal ceiling with light fixture which come down and will be a polished concrete floor. The alleyway that sits in between will be done with radiant heat, will be concrete. We are working with the designers on both sides of us to see how the grades come together. On the west side of us will be a gravel parking lot which will marry with our service drive. On the other side there will possibly be a fence. We are working with Adelphi to determine exactly what will be our choice. A review of the site plan was provided to the Commission reviewing all elevations, lighting and trash receptacle. The applicant will return before the Commission with signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the addition for the elevator you are proposing and the pre-event area and lobby is very successful to the building complimenting and accenting it. Mr. Thayer stated this area has a full basement below. All stained glass windows will be restored. The trim color will be change back to the brown stain color. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated he speaks for the Commission that this is very exciting. Looking forward to seeing it take place. Chris Bennett made a motion in the matter of the Universal Preservation Hall Exterior Modifications, 25 Washington Street that the application be approved as submitted. Leslie DiCarlo 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; Chris Bennett, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Leslie Mechem, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 17, 2017 - Page 7 of 8 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the June 7, 2017. UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Meeting, Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. COMMENTS FROM STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development informed the Commission of a visit from Linda Mackey from the State Preservation Office attending the June 7, 2017 DRC meeting. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 6/21/17 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – May 17, 2017 - Page 8 of 8