Syracuse Landmarks Preservation Board Meeting - January 8, 2026

The board met on January 8, 2026, to consider several agenda items including a continuation of a certificate of appropriateness for a historic property, a major site plan review for a new apartment building, a demolition request for a historic property, and a window replacement proposal. The board also approved minutes from the previous meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of December 11, 2025 were adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• For the first item (1010 East Washington Street): No public comments for or against after applicant presented. (Board discussion followed.)
• For the second item (201 South Krauss Avenue): No public comments as it was review and comment only.
• For the demolition item: Caitlin Wright from Greater Syracuse Land Bank presented, explaining the building's severe deterioration and inability to find a buyer. She noted that a salvage vendor is allowed to remove elements. No public comments from others.
• For the Parkview Hotel window replacement: Applicant not present, so no public testimony.

Discussion Items

• Continuation of Certificate of Appropriateness 2543 (1010 East Washington Street): The applicant, Dave Mosier, presented two options for an accessible lift: Option 1 at the front facade and Option 2 at the rear where a non-contributing solarium was removed. The board favored Option 2 as it preserved the front facade and provided better accessibility. Conditions included adding a water table element, fenestration for natural light, and material samples. The board voted to approve Option 2 with conditions.
• Major Site Plan Review 2531 (201 South Krauss Avenue): The board reviewed updated plans for a five-story apartment building adjacent to the protected site. Changes included adjusted front facade windows to match side windows, addition of a stone water table, and sidewalk connection to the historic house. The board praised the improvements and voted to send a positive recommendation to the planning commission.
• Demolition of 2601 Onondaga Avenue: The board considered whether to initiate landmark designation for the property. After discussion, the board voted not to pursue designation, citing structural instability (the building is beyond repair) and not meeting the criteria for landmark designation. The motion carried. The board noted the historic significance but acknowledged the building's deteriorated condition.
• Minor Site Plan Review for 713 East Genesee Street (Parkview Hotel): The applicant was absent. The board reviewed the proposal to replace double-hung wood windows with fixed sash units. The board expressed concern that fixed windows would alter the building's historic character, and recommended exploring fixed windows that appear as double-hung. Additionally, the board decided to initiate the process to designate the property as a local protected site, given its significance and location in the context of the I-81 removal project.
• Update on Proposed Ordinance: Amber reported that the application for a zoning ordinance exemption is still pending a SEQR review, which has not been received. No further progress.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness 2543 for 1010 East Washington Street (Option 2 rear lift) with conditions (water table, fenestration, material samples submitted to staff).
• Approved and forwarded positive recommendation for Major Site Plan Review 2531 for 201 South Krauss Avenue to the planning commission.
• Voted not to initiate landmark designation for 2601 Onondaga Avenue; demolition allowed to proceed with documentation.
• Directed staff to prepare a local protected site application for the Parkview Hotel at 713 East Genesee Street.
• Noted that the window replacement proposal for the Parkview Hotel requires further information; board will comment to zoning.
• No action on the proposed ordinance.