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Design Review Board finds 106 Van Dam Street porch historically significant, approves restoration with conditions
Summary
The board determined the front porch of 106 Van Dam Street is historically and architecturally significant and approved a plan to restore rather than demolish it, with conditions on materials, roofing and final administrative review.
The Design Review Board on Sept. 24 determined that the front porch at 106 Van Dam Street contributes to the historic fabric of the city and directed the property owner to pursue restoration rather than demolition.
Ryan Burke, the applicant, said the porch — which he described as dilapidated, sinking and in need of repair — dates from the early 1900s and that his plan was to replace damaged components and open the porch up with a balustrade rather than the existing enclosed glazing. Sam Bosshardt of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation told the board the foundation concurs that the porch is significant for its architectural style and age.
Board members examined photos and historic evidence and found elements of the porch's shingled skirting and details to be architecturally significant despite deterioration. The board moved and seconded a determination that the porch possesses architectural and/or historic significance under Section 13 of the city's UDO.
Facing the option to approve a demolition application or require restoration, the applicant opted for the path of least resistance and expressed willingness to restore the porch. The board approved the restoration with conditions: the porch is to be restored in kind using natural materials; the owner may, at their discretion, install a wood square lattice skirting; and the roof may be either asphalt shingle where feasible or EPDM/approved membrane based on contractor recommendation and roof pitch. The board required final material details be submitted administratively for final review.
Board members and community commenters provided practical guidance on restoration, including preserving salvageable elements, using wood shingles on walls, and reusing any intact historic windows rather than discarding them. The applicant was advised to coordinate with staff on documentation and to provide good-faith evidence if demolition is pursued in the future, though members indicated demolition would be difficult to justify.
