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Board finds additions at 31 Madison non‑significant, approves demolition and conditions reconstruction
Summary
The board determined later porches and additions at 31 Madison Avenue are not architecturally significant, approved partial demolition on the condition that significant windows (including French casements) be salvaged, and granted a conditional approval for reconstruction requiring reuse of siding where feasible and any necessary variances.
Saratoga Springs’ Design Review Board on June 3 determined that mid‑century porches and later additions at 31 Madison Avenue are not historically significant, approved their demolition conditioned on salvage of key windows, and approved a reconstruction plan with three conditions.
The applicant’s presenter noted the building dates to 1888 and identified proposed removals — an extended front porch, a side porch and a later cantilevered kitchen bump‑out — intended to return the house closer to its period of significance. The applicant proposed retaining historic windows where feasible and using Marvin wood windows for new openings; siding under the existing aluminum cladding will be evaluated and reused if in good condition.
Board members reviewed the Preservation Foundation letter (which raised only a chimney concern) and generally supported returning the house to earlier lines. The board emphasized salvaging the French casement windows and other noteworthy elements and asked that salvaged items be retained on‑site or donated. The chair moved to approve the project with three conditions: (1) reuse existing cladding if its condition allows, otherwise replace as presented; (2) salvage any significant windows; and (3) approval is conditioned on the applicant obtaining necessary variances and approvals. The motion was seconded and carried.
Members noted the siding condition is uncertain until vinyl is removed and that administrative review may be used if reuse options are feasible. The applicant was asked to provide details on any elements that require administrative sign‑off.
