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Design Review Board finds 624 North Broadway (Unitarian building) not architecturally or historically significant
Summary
The board determined the mid‑century Unitarian building at 624 North Broadway is non‑contributing to the Broadway Historic District after reviewing SHPO correspondence and a Preservation Foundation comment; the determination clears the way for the applicant to pursue demolition later in the process.
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board on June 26 determined that the one‑story building at 624 North Broadway, formerly occupied by the Unitarian congregation, does not possess architectural or historic significance and is non‑contributing to the Broadway Historic District.
George Olsen of Olsen Associates Architects and applicant representatives cited a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) letter finding the building not eligible for state or national registers and not a contributing resource in the historic district. Samantha Bosshardt of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation confirmed in public comment that the structure is a mid‑century building and “not a particularly fine example or a unique example,” though she noted the foundation differentiates this case from other nearby buildings they would treat differently.
Board members discussed that the DRB’s current role was to determine significance only; any future demolition or redevelopment would be a separate matter requiring subsequent review and permits. After discussion the DRB voted that the structure does not contribute to the historic fabric of the city.
Ending: The applicant may pursue demolition and redevelopment steps in later hearings; the board’s finding relates solely to historic and architectural significance, not to any demolition permit or design approval.
