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Board presses owner to replace vinyl windows after stop‑work order at 172 Caroline
Summary
Design Review Board members criticized unapproved vinyl window replacements at 172 Caroline, noted a stop‑work order, and urged the owner to replace primary street‑facing windows with historically appropriate wood units. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation requested similar remedies in a submitted letter.
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board used its July 10 meeting to admonish recent unapproved window work at 172 Caroline and to push for restoration of character‑defining features. Representatives told the board that upper‑ and lower‑floor windows on multiple facades had been replaced with vinyl prior to review; that work triggered a stop‑work order.
"The windows are a character‑defining feature," the Chair said, urging that the front and Nelson facades be returned to wood windows matching original patterns. Tonya Yesenchuk, representing the owner’s architect/agent, acknowledged that some windows were replaced by the prior owner and that her client had replaced additional units after purchase; she said the client understands the board’s concern and is willing to pursue options for replacement on at least the first floor.
Samantha Bosshardt of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, speaking during public comment, said the foundation’s letter urged wood replacement on primary street facades and asked the board to scrutinize a changed diamond‑pane attic window seen in earlier photos. Board members strongly recommended replacing the most visible vinyl windows with wood units in matching patterns; they also asked for clearer balustrade and railing detail and for the applicant to return with a plan addressing the diamond attic window and material choices for driveway apron and apron materials.
No final approval was granted that night; the board left the application open and directed the applicant to return with additional documentation, including detailed balustrade drawings and a revised window proposal.
