Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board Meeting - January 29, 2026

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board held a regular meeting on January 29, 2026, with members Trish, Nicole Fragnito, Jeff Romano, Lilie Donegan, Martha Hertzberg, Amber Dallan, and Kate Awitter present. Kyle and Julia were excused. The meeting included a public hearing for a certificate of appropriateness, preliminary review of a minor site plan for facade alterations, review of another minor site plan, and discussion of two national register nominations.

Public Hearing: Certificate of Appropriateness for 300-310 Montgomery Street (St. Paul's Church)

• Applicant Terry Horst (Terry Horst Landscape Architecture) proposed repaving the existing parking lot, improving circulation with a dedicated entrance and exit, installing a guardrail along the church building, removing a wall and two trees, and planting new trees with a lower wall. The goal was to address sinkholes, potholes, and pedestrian safety conflicts.
• Board members asked about the retention of a sculpture near the front entrance (confirmed it would be retained), the guardrail material (steel box beam), and the retaining wall material (Hanover Precast with random ashlar pattern to match the building). The board requested the specific color selection be submitted via email to staff.
• No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the public hearing or during general public comment (none was scheduled).

Old Business: Minor Site Plan Review 2025-163 for 713-715 East Genesee Street (Hampton Hotel)

• Applicant Manesh Patel presented preliminary proposals for facade alterations, including replacement of approximately 336 windows, application of EFIS (exterior insulation and finish system) to most of the building, changes to the roof line, new signage, and a new rear entrance.
• The board discussed the proposed windows (vinyl, fixed double-hung, black matte) and expressed concerns about material longevity, preferring wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. Dimensions and glazing area comparisons were requested.
• The majority of the board indicated strong opposition to covering the historic brick facade with EFIS, particularly on the south (front) elevation and the four-bay side elevations. They recommended preserving the front and side elevations as a historic renovation project. The north (rear) elevation facing the parking lot could be clad in EFIS with brand colors. One board member (Bob) was open to EFIS on the east and west walls as well, but Nicole and Howard preferred only the north elevation.
• The board advised removing the large rooftop sign (Park View Hotel) and placing branding only on the front canopy. The proposed rear entrance and landscaping were supported.
• No vote was taken; the board offered preliminary feedback for the applicant to take back to the brand.

New Business: Minor Site Plan Review 2026-5 for 911 North Salina Street

• Applicant Tom Bitulio (Thomas J.D. Leo Architects) described scope: replacing an aluminum door with a wrought-iron security door, repairing and repointing the brick facade, replacing a limited number of bricks with historically matched materials, cleaning and painting existing canopies, and installing an illuminated channel letter sign on the second floor.
• The board commented positively, noting the repair work preserved historic fabric and the door design was aesthetically pleasing. They confirmed the sign meets zoning requirements.
• The board expressed support and noted the project would proceed to the City Planning Commission for final approval.

National Register Nominations

• The board reviewed two nominations from the State Preservation Office: the Fiesinger House at 1010 East Washington Street and the Coughlin Brothers/Babson Brothers factory (candy and peanut factory) near the inner harbor. The latter includes a Quonset hut.
• Board members expressed enthusiastic support for both nominations, citing architectural and historic significance.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (with condition): Certificate of Appropriateness for 300-310 Montgomery Street – motion carried unanimously. Condition: applicant to submit color selection for precast stone to staff via email.
• Preliminary feedback provided for 713-715 East Genesee Street: board directed applicant to preserve front and side elevations as historic, consider alternative window materials, remove rooftop sign, and limit EFIS to the north (rear) elevation facing the parking lot.
• Support given for 911 North Salina Street: board commented positively; project will proceed to City Planning Commission.
• Endorsed both national register nominations for forwarding to the State Review Board.
• Meeting adjourned.