Board approves major rehab at 38 Beekman St., including porch reconstruction and roof framing work

The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board on Oct. 29 approved modifications to a long‑vacant two‑family structure at 38 Beekman St., endorsing a full exterior rehabilitation that includes rebuilding a two‑story covered porch in historically appropriate materials, restoring a coherent window pattern for new units, installing wood entry doors, and reconstructing the roof framing.

Reveal Architecture’s Shawn Corp summarized the work as a rehabilitative restoration of a derelict building: rebuilding brick piers and a wood porch deck (mahogany decking), installing turned wood posts and a wood railing with a discrete steel pipe rail at code height, returning exposed rafter tails, and repairing masonry and foundation areas. The applicants also requested two basement egress wells and several window relocations to accommodate updated floor plans. On the roof, engineers recommended removing undersized, compromised rafters and reframing with properly sized members (2x12 rafters at 16" on center) to meet current loads; the board asked for a construction section showing soffit and rafter‑tail details so the new framing will match historic exterior appearance.

Board members praised the applicant’s materials and approach, calling the proposal a major improvement over the current dilapidated condition. The board approved the modifications with conditions: standing‑seam (or flat‑lock) metal over the restored porch forms, submission of a roof construction section detailing rafter tails and soffit treatment for administrative review, and an 18‑month extension from the meeting date for permit/performance timelines. The motion passed unanimously.

The approvals clear the way for the owner to move forward with construction documents and permit applications; staff will review the requested construction details administratively.