Board approves demolition at 42 Catherine; requires front facade stained‑glass preservation

The board first determined that the two‑car garage at 42 Catherine Street lacked architectural or historic significance and approved demolition under state SEQR exemptions. The application’s primary focus then shifted to an extensive window survey presented by the contractor (S12).

Chair (S1) and multiple members emphasized the special nature of the front‑façade stained‑glass windows. The board voted to approve the exterior modifications with three conditions recorded in the motion: restore the existing historic stained‑glass windows on the front façade (using portions of other existing windows where necessary), replace all other windows with 1‑over‑1 Anderson 400 series units, and salvage any remaining historic stained‑glass windows. The applicant confirmed cost and manufacturing considerations for matching historic muntin patterns; public commenters and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (S7) supported the compromise of saving front windows while allowing replacement on less visible facades.