The Syracuse City Preservation Board voted Nov. 20 to accept a storefront rehabilitation plan for 128 East Genesee St., which includes a painted wood storefront, Marvin aluminum-clad wood windows sized to historic sight lines, an insulated-glass vestibule, and conversion of upper floors to one-bedroom apartments.

Architect Joe Perino said the project required a state variance for egress windows and that a new interior vestibule is proposed for energy efficiency. “We already went through intake meetings at the city, for permitting. We had to go to get a variance because the upstairs windows, there is no way to go out through the back because it's landlocked,” Perino said, describing the egress and stair changes needed to meet state travel-distance rules.

Board members questioned storefront proportions and suggested careful attention to historic imagery and sight lines; one member characterized the proposed new storefront as somewhat heavy compared with the building’s Federal Revival character and urged sensitivity to historic transparency and proportion. The applicant said the owner prefers double doors for business operations and that layout constraints limit some changes; the project team said they will refine details and return if necessary.

A motion to accept the project as submitted was seconded and approved by voice vote.