Design Review Board defers final decision on Second Floor windows at Beagle School amid safety vs. preservation concerns

The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board approved most elements of the renovation at 115 Regent Street — including siding strategy, roof materials and a general approach to window restoration and selective replacement — but halted a final decision on all Second Floor windows after a sustained discussion about child-safety rules and the practicalities of restoring historic wood windows.

Brett Balzer of Balzer & Tuck Architecture presented the updated plans, saying the project will retain original wood siding on the Regent Street frontage and use wood siding where feasible, with wood siding retained or replaced by new wood elsewhere rather than fiber-cement. The application distinguishes the historic front volume (to keep or restore wood elements) from new additions where composite materials will be used. Balzer showed areas proposed for restoration and the locations where new, aluminum-clad wood windows would replace non-historic units.

School board members and the school’s executive director raised concerns about safety standards that apply to voluntary registered nursery schools and kindergartens (VRNS). Matt…