Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Chris Bennett; Leslie DiCarlo ABSENT: Richard Martin; Leslie Mechem, 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 7:02 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. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: B. 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. C. DRC APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2017.087 24 CAROLINE APARTMENTS, 24 Caroline Street, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (architectural review) for construction of new, in-fill, mixed use building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. AGENT: Melissa Clark & Mike Tuck, Balzer, Tuck Architects Mr. Tuck stated they are before the Commission this evening to present the project as well as consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency Status given that the property is 3500 square feet and the building footprint is 3300 square feet. Mr. Tuck provided a visual presentation of the proposed project noting the elevations and mass and scale of the building. Photographs of the site were also provided to the Commission. The two story building is currently being formally evaluated. Our sense is that it is not in great shape. It was shored up following the fire with the hopes of keeping it. On further inspection of the site, the floor system isn’t really intact. We are missing the rear wall of the building. It is making more sense to take that part of the building down. We have spoken to the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and we are in the process of developing a formal letter to them. Mr. Tuck reviewed the proposed building noting Hamlet and Ghost building on the corner. A recess of the building continues up the entire new addition. Adjacent to that is the covered entrance to the building. Trash will be housed in a new exterior space. The tenants for the 6 new apartments will use the inner staircase which allows them to enter through the lobby up through a shared staircase. The ground floor area will be commercial. We have two apartments in the historic portion of the building, and we are proposing second floor commercial on the addition building separated by the stairs. We have three apartments on the third floor. One is in the historic addition portion. One additional apartment will be on the fourth floor addition. We are proposing a roof terrace. On the historic building we are proposing to complete the pattern of window openings. The addition (hyphen) between the two buildings will be aligned floor heads and windows to the adjacent buildings. The function has changed somewhat but we are keeping the the existing alcoves in their present condition. A review of all elevations was provided. The applicant is currently exploring material options and will return with those as the project proceeds. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the massing is not inappropriate for this location. It is in scale with what is going on around it. The hyphen space which separates the historic building is an appropriate thing to do. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. Chris Bennett stated that the massing is fine; however, the windows give him pause. Leslie Mechem stated the windows look more like loft windows, which you see in New York City. Mr. Tuck stated the apartments are not extremely large, but we are trying to let in as much light as possible. Aluminum clad windows on the outside and wood interiors. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated the massing is appropriate. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. Ms. Bosshart stated she has submitted a letter concerning this application. The Foundation is happy to see this project move forward. The Mass and Scale is appropriate for the project and we are very pleased that they gave the Foundation an opportunity to provide feedback. We look forward to seeing more details on the south wall. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of 24 Caroline Apartments, the Design Review Commission defers SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek it. 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 2. 2017.077 146 SOUTH BROADWAY MIXED USE BUILDING, 146 South Broadway, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (architectural review) for construction of new, in-fill, mixed use building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Russ Fadden Agent: Bob Flansburg, Dreamscapes Unlimited Mr. Flansburg stated the first issue the applicant must deal with is the demolition of the existing building. Mr. Flansburg provided photographs of the existing buildings. These buildings were constructed in 1980 and have no real historic significance. A visual presentation of the proposed building was provided to the Commission. We have redesigned the front entries and have also included a 3x6 signage panels on the front elevation. There will be 2 owners. On the southern half will house the Subway restaurant on the first floor and have 2 apartments on the second floor. On the northern end professional space will occupy the first floor and will have 2 apartments on the second floor. Mr. Flansburg provide a review of all of the building elevations for the Commission’s review. The windows will be black windows with black muntin and black corbels. Fiber cement panels are proposed for the main part of the building. Parking will be provided in the rear of the building. Access to the apartments will be from the rear of the building. A Standing seam roof is proposed. Also, above the entrance doors to the apartments there is a grouping of 4 square windows for air and light. These will be casement style windows with a two over two muntin pattern. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 18, 2017 - Page 2 of 6 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. Chris Bennett questioned the addition of stone perhaps brick which he believes would add a bit of sophistication to the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the building seems to lack a bit of a base. Concerning the fiber cement on the base of the building this could be a bit of a problem. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated there are details which are missing which we can discuss as we move through. Also, there is no site plan in the application package. Perhaps you can speak to that. How close to the road are we? Mr. Flansburg stated yes we have about ten feet until the sidewalk in front of the building. Leslie DiCarlo questioned the cornice size and stated she feels it maybe too large. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated we will have an opportunity to see this again. It is headed in the right direction. 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 146 South Broadway Mixed Use building, 146 South Broadway, that the Design Review Commission defers SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board for SEQRA Review. 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 MOTION PASSES: 4-0 3. 2017.036.1 STATION LANE APARTMENTS, Station Lane, consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency (architectural review) for construction of new, in-fill, mixed use building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. No representative present for this application. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this application is before the Commission this evening for consideration of SEQRA Lead Agency Status. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated this is the fourth development project in the Station Lane Corridor. This is located in the northwest portion of the property. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated some of the concerns raised on the other applications will also be raised here as well. in terms of traffic. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated Top Capital is coordinating and leading the Traffic Analysis for the entire quadrant. We have just received this final report which is being digested and reviewed right now. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of 1 Station Lane Apartments, Station Lane that the Design Review Commission defers SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board should they seek it. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 18, 2017 - Page 3 of 6 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 4. 2017.100 ACT RESTAURANT FAÇADE, 408 Broadway, Historic Review of exterior modifications within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Jeff Ames Agent: Dennis Rigosu, Amanda Tucker, Syvertsen, Rigosu Architects Mr. Rigosu stated we are looking to resurrect the old Lillian’s Building. It does have a sub-basement for mechanical space and storage of outdoor furniture. The basement will house some of the support space for the upstairs kitchen and dining space and toilet rooms that support the first floor. The first floor will house a dining area, bar area, kitchen, coat room and hostess station. The stairs which exist will remain. The second floor will be an open area it will be fitted out with a support kitchen which will be used for an event space to be rented out. A roof plan was provided noting the placement of the mechanical equipment. Mr. Rigosu provided views of current elevations and the condition of the building. Handouts were provided to the Board containing information on the proposed building renovations with cut sheets for items such as windows and doors. We are proposing on the first floor new windows and doors, accordion style glass doors. Front entry piece to match the glass doors. This will be trimmed out with wood, sample provided to the Commission. The second floor has green painted brick. We would like to bring that back to a natural brick. It does not appear feasible to remove the paint from the existing brick, so we will install face brick over the existing brick. Samples provided to the Commission. The limestone pieces that trim out the front of the building will be reset and cleaned. A review of all elevations was provided to the Commission. The building will be painted a taupe color, with gooseneck lights. Railing on the upper floor with glass sliding doors. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the applicant mentioned how the wood was to be treated on the outside of the building. Mr. Ames stated they will poly this wood every year to keep it looking good. Steven Rowland, Chairman questioned the cladding over the current brick on the building with faux brick. I realize the existing brick paint cannot be removed entirely but why not repaint the faux brick with a new color. The face brick can become a problem around window openings and corners. Sonny Bonacio, contractor stated he spoke with his client. It was important for the building to look old again. We cannot remove the paint from the bricks which currently exist. In doing this we would damage the brick to the point where it would not be a good sub straight. We have used this product a lot. In this application it is very flat up to the windows and we are just reapplying brick back onto that façade. This building is rock solid. Discussion ensued concerning the use of the brick on this building. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated painting the brick would be appropriate. Sonny Bonacio, Contractor stated it is the applicant’s intent to utilize a portion of the roof. An elevator is already in the building. We are designing so that it could be used. There is a parapet on the roof and fencing will screen the mechanicals. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated his concerns are the rooftop mechanicals and the screening of those. Leslie DiCarlo made a motion in the matter of the ACT Restaurant Façade, 408 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted. Chris Bennett seconded the motion. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 18, 2017 - Page 4 of 6 Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. Sonny Bonacio, Contractor questioned if the future proposed rooftop activities could be included. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated as amended. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she would like to amend the motion to read should the applicant their mind about the brick application, they can paint the existing brick with a color approval from the DRC. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated as amended. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 5. 2017.105 ROSECRANS REAR ADDITION, 748 North Broadway, Historic Review of exterior modifications within the Urban Residential-1 District. DISCLOSURE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman disclosed that she does own property 6 or 7 houses south of this property being reviewed. Agent: Tom Frost, Architect, Frost/Hurff Architects Mr. Frost provided a visual presentation of the proposed project. The proposed addition is attached to the rear of the existing structure is one story and at a lower grade therefore it would not be visible from North Broadway. An exercise pool is being added under the current porch which will be enclosed. A railing system will be added to the new porch. The proposed project will create little or no change to the neighborhood. The north side of the building is being extended to the east but as a single story it will have no significant effect on the adjoining property. Because of the existing/lot residence configuration there is no option for positioning the garage. Separating the garage or pool house from the principal building would reduce the area of open yard space, a detriment to the yards’ use and appearance. The garage will have 3 bays and the materials for the garage doors will be provided. The change in lot coverage will also have no significant effect on adjoining properties, primarily because those properties are, because of existing buildings, fences and trees, not visually affected by the proposed addition. New stairs are proposed and will be added to the east side of the current steps of the pool. Steven Rowland, Chairman requested cut sheets on the doors and materials for the addition. The proposed renovations look appropriate to the house. What is coming off the house was inappropriate to the house. This will be a nice improvement. What materials will be used on the addition? Mr. Frost indicated wood clapboard and wood trim be used on the additions. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Rosencrans Rear Addition, 748 North Broadway that we approved the application with the following condition: The applicant will provide cut sheets for door and windows materials used on the project for the file. Chris Bennett seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 18, 2017 - Page 5 of 6 VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Leslie DiCarlo, in favor; Chris Bennett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Caravan, Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Meeting, Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 1/3/18 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission Minutes – October 18, 2017 - Page 6 of 6