At its Oct. 29 meeting the Saratoga Springs Design Review Board reviewed a proposal to convert the second floor of a carriage house at 24 Fifth Ave. into a secondary dwelling unit. The proposal included replacing two deteriorated wood windows on the south elevation, creating a compliant egress opening at the hayloft location and adding a small railing to form a Juliet balcony.

Applicants explained the hayloft opening currently sits low (about 5 feet) and is the most suitable location for egress; they proposed either preserving the hayloft door as an external shutter or installing a French‑door type opening behind the existing door and retaining the outward appearance. For the two south‑facing windows the applicants proposed replacement with aluminum‑clad wood windows (Marvin Ultimate), citing rot in the existing sashes. Board members and staff emphasized that original windows and character‑defining features should be preserved when feasible and asked for clearer documentation proving the windows are beyond repair before approving replacements.

Board members asked for a site visit and detailed documentation of window deterioration so the board could rule whether the windows must be replaced in kind or could be repaired. They also asked the applicant to provide mechanical‑penetration and HVAC location plans (condensing unit and venting), and a more detailed plan for how the hayloft door would function (sliding on a track, outward shutter, or other treatment) while maintaining the historic appearance.

No vote was taken; staff and the applicant will schedule a site visit and return with the requested materials.