Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board Meeting - October 9, 2025

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board convened on October 9, 2025, at 12:21 PM (Eastern Time) to review three agenda items: a certificate of appropriateness for window replacement at 215 Green Street, a major site plan review for the Onondaga Hotel project at 325-45 South Warren Street, and a discussion on capstone restoration for the Niagara Mohawk building. The meeting included public comment, board deliberation, and votes.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the September 18, 2025, meeting were unanimously approved (motion by [unidentified], seconded by [unidentified]). No modifications or abstentions were noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 215 Green Street (Window Replacement): Jim Keller (JK General Contracting) described a fire-damaged property with mold issues. He stated that vinyl windows were installed due to urgency (two-week delivery vs. 8-12 weeks for wood) and noted that half the windows were already vinyl. No public speakers in favor or opposition were present.

Discussion Items

• Certificate of Appropriateness 2531 – 215 Green Street: The board discussed the property's status as an individually listed historic structure in the Holly Green Historic District. Board members noted that the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (Standards #2 and #6) were not met, as vinyl windows alter the historic character. Staff clarified that no emergency exception exists in the standards. A motion to deny the application was made and seconded, citing non-compliance with Standards #2 and #6. The board also suggested that the applicant could reapply with wood or fiberglass windows (brown color). The motion passed, and the owner may appeal to the Planning Commission or submit a new application.

• Major Site Plan Review 2524 – Onondaga Hotel (325-45 South Warren Street): Brian Bouchard (CHA Consulting) presented the final design for a 10-story hotel with 248 rooms, 321 parking spaces, and 26,500 sq ft of convention/banquet/restaurant space. Key features included: preservation and relocation of the historic "PARK" sign; a facade with thin brick, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), and tile; and a multi-level parking garage incorporated into floors 1-4. Board comments praised the scale, urban feel, and material palette. Concerns included: the visibility of parking garage doors (requested darker blending), sign details (encroachment approval pending), and the use of GFRC at the base. The referral will proceed to the Planning Commission on October 20, 2025, with final material samples expected before that date.

• Niagara Mohawk Building Capstone Restoration (Discussion): Peter Nelson (Nelson Associates) and Andy Morgan presented plans to replicate and replace ornate capstones on the parapet walls. The capstones, previously clad in lead-coated copper (installed circa 2016), have deteriorated due to water infiltration. The proposed solution includes new, vented capstones attached with pins to allow drying, and a counterflashing to facilitate future roof replacements. A sample of a restored spandrel panel was displayed. The board encouraged the use of historic tax credits and commended the project's preservation approach.

Key Outcomes

• 215 Green Street: Application for vinyl windows denied. Owner may appeal to Planning Commission or submit a new application with wood/fiberglass windows.
• Onondaga Hotel: Positive board comments; final materials and renderings to be shared with the board before the October 20, 2025, Planning Commission hearing.
• Niagara Mohawk Building: Discussion only; no vote taken. Board recommended consideration of historic tax credits.