Development News for Saratoga Springs, New York

Design Review Board Approves New Garage and Living Unit at 145 Union Avenue with Cupola Review Condition

The Design Review Board reviewed an application for the construction of a new two-story, two-car garage with a living unit above at 145 Union Avenue. The board found the mass, scale, and location appropriate, with appropriate setbacks maintaining the character of the alley. They reviewed height studies and compared the proposed structure to existing ones, ultimately approving the plans with a condition for administrative review of the cupola. The applicant, Sue Davis with SD Atelier Architecture, sought approval for the project which is for a client, Kate Amelo, to house her parents. The existing garage was to be demolished to build the new structure. The project was approved on June 3rd, 2026.

Design Review Board Approves Demolition of Non-Significant Additions at 31 Madison Avenue, Reviews Restoration Project

The Design Review Board convened for an application at 31 Madison Avenue, involving a determination of significance for the existing structure, potential demolition approval, and review of a proposed project. The board determined that additions to the 1888 building – specifically an extended front porch and a side porch, along with a cantilevered kitchen extension and a rear gable modification – were not historically or architecturally significant. These additions were found to be later, haphazard additions that detracted from the original structure. The board approved the demolition of these specific additions with the condition that the French casement windows be salvaged. Following this, the board reviewed the proposed project, which aims to return the main building to its original state by removing these additions, infilling the cantilever, adding a one-story rear addition, and replacing the extended porch with a more tucked-in version. The proposal includes retaining all existing windows and installing new Marvin Wood windows. The siding is an open issue, with the applicant proposing a new pattern but willing to reuse existing siding if found in good condition. The board discussed the massing, scale, and materials, with some members suggesting brick instead of clapboard and concerns raised about the chimney and potential mimicry of historic homes. The board also noted the need for zoning and potential code issue resolution.

Design Review Board Deliberates on 624 North Broadway Condo Project, Cites Concerns Over Similarity to Historic Homes

The Design Review Board reviewed an application for 624 North Broadway, a project involving demolition approval and review of mass and scale for a new four-unit condominium building. Demolition of the existing Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church, built in the 1960s or 70s, was previously approved. The proposed project features four two-car garages at the rear, accessed from Burke Alley, and a four-story condominium building with residential units, an elevator, and a single stair. The design incorporates a handicap-accessible sidewalk entrance along North Broadway, a bluestone front porch, and LP Smart Side siding with wood trim. The board discussed concerns about the building's similarity to existing historic homes on North Broadway, with some members feeling it might mimic too closely. The Preservation Foundation had concerns about the building's length and proportions, suggesting recessing balconies and using carriage-house style garage doors, which the applicant addressed. The board acknowledged the applicant's effort to create a building that fits the neighborhood context while also being a distinct new construction. The discussion involved materials, massing, scale, and the visual relationship to adjacent historic structures. A straw poll indicated differing opinions on the appropriateness of the design's similarity to existing homes. The board ultimately deferred a decision, pending further context of adjacent buildings and potential material changes, and noted the absence of two board members.