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Board approves exterior materials and conditions for 222–230 Remsen St./23 Columbia St. project
Summary
The Cohoes Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board approved brick patterns, siding colors (including green and taupe), black windows and several design conditions for new construction at 222–230 Remsen St. and 23 Columbia St., and required applicants to return for fencing or signage review.
The Cohoes Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board on Jan. 20 approved exterior materials and colors for the proposed new construction at 222–230 Remsen Street and 23 Columbia Street, imposing specific design conditions intended to preserve visual compatibility with adjacent historic buildings.
Applicant Carl Godfrey presented brick samples, siding color chips and façade sketches, saying he preferred alternating two brick patterns to "give some definition to the building" and that budget constraints required scaling back the amount of brick on the project. "We’re doing it out of pocket so we are trying to design and do the best we can with the funds we have without blowing our budget," Godfrey said.
Board members selected two brick patterns from the samples and agreed on siding colors including a green and a taupe option; they directed that the upper trim detail shown on building 2 be carried over to building 4 and that mansards be omitted. The board also approved black window frames and no decorative grid pattern on the storefront windows. Member Tony Kusaywa moved for approval with conditions and Vice Chair Barbara Hildreth seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
During discussion Godfrey described site planning decisions including a fenced courtyard intended to serve residents and commercial tenants, and said the building would have a secured vestibule/mail room rather than front entry doors to limit unsupervised access and package exposure. He described two commercial units of about 2,000 square feet each at the far end of the building and said landscaping and a six-foot black fence—similar to fencing at a nearby Armory—were under consideration; he noted an eight-foot fence would require a variance.
The board set conditions requiring the applicant to return to the board for review and approval if they plan to install fencing or signage, or change any approved materials or colors. The board also required the upper trim detail transfer (building 2 to building 4) and specifically prohibited mansards on the project as submitted.
The approval reflects the board’s role in reviewing exterior design details for compatibility with the surrounding district; the applicant must submit any further exterior changes for separate review.
