Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board Meeting Summary – November 20, 2025

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board convened on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at approximately 1:25 PM to conduct a series of public hearings and discussions. The meeting included four certificate of appropriateness (CA) applications, a major site plan review for a historic building conversion, a discussion on preservation exemption legislation, and updates from the Preservation Association of Central New York (PACNY). The board approved three CA applications and provided favorable comments on two major site plan projects.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the October 30, 2025 meeting were adopted by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• CA-25-38 (931 Comstock Avenue): The applicants, Mr. and Mrs. [Mr. Daisy?], described their plans to install historically appropriate storm windows and awnings, paint the house in original colors, and rebuild original wood shutters. No public comments for or against were made.
• CA-25-39 (118 Windsor Place): The applicant, Dennis Swainey, explained the need to replace two deteriorating garage doors. He presented several design options from Semke Garage Doors and sought board guidance on the most appropriate design. No public comments were made.
• CA-25-40 (128 East Genesee Street): Joe Perino, representing owner Stephanie Sampreer, presented plans for a complete building renovation, including storefront rehabilitation, window replacement, and a color change to matte and gloss black. No public comments were made.
• Major Site Plan 2529 – 652 West Onondaga Street: Hilary Donehue presented plans to convert the grand mansion (built 1893) into a private club and two residential units. No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• CA-25-39 – 118 Windsor Place Garage Door Replacement: Board members discussed design options, noting that option with a double row of vertical glazing and ribbed panels (the "ribbed long option") was most historically accurate. Concerns were raised about window proportion (too squat) and repairability of the original doors. The board recommended the applicant investigate whether the manufacturer could provide taller windows. The board ultimately voted to approve with the understanding that the design would match the preferred option.
• CA-25-40 – 128 East Genesee Street Renovation: Board members discussed the proposed storefront design, noting the historic photos show a curved entrance and more transparent storefront. Concerns were expressed about the "chunky" new design vs. historical minimalism. The board asked about window type (single hung vs. double hung) and the use of gloss vs. flat black paint. The board approved the application as submitted.
• Major Site Plan 2560 – 200 East Genesee Street (City Hall Commons): Jamie Williams (Homeskin Colquist Architects) and Luke Esposito (Handover Development) presented conceptual plans to convert the mid-1800s building (with 1980s-era additions) into mixed-use with ground-floor commercial and residential apartments. Key proposals include restoring the masonry, retaining the atrium (with a new angled skylight), restoring historic windows, and potentially reopening bricked-over openings. The board offered strong support and recommended additional attention to the ground floor articulation and main entrance. The project is planned to go before the Planning Commission.
• Major Site Plan 2529 – 652 West Onondaga Street (Smith Mansion): Hilary Donehue presented a plan to remove an unsympathetic bridge connection to a neighboring building, restore the driveway, and convert the grand mansion into two residential units in the former servants’ quarters and a private club (with a performing arts focus) in the main portion. The bridge removal will require a platform lift for accessibility. The board expressed unanimous support, noting the property is eligible for the National Register and that existing windows will remain in situ.
• Exemption Legislation Update: The board was informed that the zoning administrator has requested a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) assessment for a proposed text amendment. The review will evaluate environmental and historic resource impacts. A 60-day review clock will start once the documentation is complete.
• PACNY Updates: Nicole Fragnito reported on a November summit for preservation partners across five counties. Topics included tax credit education, historic district nominations, and future programming (e.g., homeowner workshops on window repair). The annual preservation awards will be held December 5, 2025 at St. Paul’s Church.

Key Outcomes

• CA-25-38 (931 Comstock Avenue): Approved unanimously as submitted.
• CA-25-39 (118 Windsor Place): Approved unanimously (with the applicant to follow up on window design details).
• CA-25-40 (128 East Genesee Street): Approved unanimously as submitted.
• Major Site Plan 2560 (200 East Genesee Street): Received favorable board comments; no formal vote (review and comment).
• Major Site Plan 2529 (652 West Onondaga Street): Received favorable board comments; no formal vote (review and comment).
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:30 PM.