Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board Meeting – April 3, 2026

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board met on Friday, April 3, 2026, at approximately 12:25 PM. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, a site plan review for new construction at 411 University Avenue, and a discussion of proposed improvements to the historic amphitheater in Thornden Park. No public hearings were on the agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of February 19, 2026: Approved as revised. Corrections included fixing a misspelling of “proposed” and changing “installation of wood jams” to “existing wood jams.” Motion carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public hearings were on the agenda; no public comments were taken.

Discussion Items

• Old Business – 713‑15 East Genesee Street (Facade Alterations): The project remains on hold pending additional information requested by the board, specifically regarding window treatments and the treatment of the IFIS (International Fireplace and Insulation System?) around the corner. No action taken.
• New Business – SPR 26‑26‑11: 411 University Avenue, New Construction: Brian Bouchard (CHA) presented a revised three‑story mixed‑use apartment building (30 units) on the site of two existing parcels. This replaces a previously approved nine‑story building that was financially unfeasible due to tariffs, construction costs, and interest rates. The new design meets MX4 zoning, includes 10% affordable units, and uses LP SmartSide engineered wood siding in a cedar shake pattern. The board offered non‑binding recommendations for the applicant to consider before a Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 5:
  • Break the cornice line at the vertical center element to better separate the two‑building massing.
  • Replace the board‑and‑batten siding on the ground floor with a more durable material (e.g., stone veneer) to improve durability and contextually reference Grace Church and neighboring Ronald McDonald House.
  • Consider altering the white color scheme to reduce maintenance and visual contrast.
  • The applicant agreed to try to incorporate these changes and share updated elevations before the Planning Commission meeting.
• Discussion Item – Thornden Park Amphitheater Improvements (Phase 1): The parks department proposed adding wheelchair‑accessible paths and viewing platforms, improving drainage, and installing concrete stairs. The board provided formal comments aimed at preserving historic materials and site character:
  • Preservation of historic brick walkways and stone columns: The board strongly opposed removing the original brick path that leads from Thornden Park Drive to the amphitheater, recommending instead a new accessible route that cuts through the fence near the field house, avoiding disturbance of historic fabric and tree roots.
  • Materials: Board members suggested using asphalt or stained concrete with exposed aggregate instead of conventional concrete to better blend with the setting and reduce root damage. Asphalt would require shallower excavation and be more forgiving of root heave.
  • Tree protection: Concern was raised about root damage from excavation for the concrete path and stairs. The board recommended limiting removal of historic curbing, working with the Department of Forestry on a replanting plan for aging trees, and preserving field stone retaining walls.
  • Stairway: The board asked for a detail showing how new concrete stairs would interface with existing field stone walls to minimize disturbance.
  • Overall recommendation: Retain historic materials and features to the maximum extent possible.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved as corrected.
• 411 University Avenue: No formal vote; board gave advisory recommendations to the applicant for refinement before the Planning Commission meeting.
• Thornden Park Amphitheater: The board finalized its comments to the parks department, prioritizing preservation of historic brick, stone, trees, and minimizing excavation. No formal vote needed as city‑owned property is exempt from a certificate of appropriateness.
• Meeting adjourned via unanimous motion.