Representing The Blind Barrel at 117 E. Third St., Gina Perini, Chris LaCroix and Neil Reinhard were granted a certificate of appropriateness for new signage from the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission Dec. 14. Two new black fabric awnings, each stretched across existing hardware, will feature the new bar and restaurant’s logo centered in the pitched surfaces. “Blind Barrel” is to be flanked by two street address numbers “117” along the valence flap of each awning. The logo graphic and serif lettering are ivory in color.

Approval is contingent on the removal of all side panels by the applicant so the ends remain open.

Window signage for five storefront windows and one recessed entrance door featuring ivory vinyl decals of the logo was also unanimously approved.

Owned by Howard B. Altman and managed by LaCroix, the new bar and restaurant occupies the site of the former J.P. MacGrady’s Wings & Burger Bar.

The commissioners tabled a partial demolition proposal by Joseph Posh for his property at 14 - 18 W. Third St. The developer proposed tearing down nearly all but the front façades of the two brick buildings. Assisted by Salvatore Verrastro and Jason Monroig from Spillman Farmer Architects, he provided plans for incorporating the historic façades into a new structure that would be constructed behind them and across the rest of the vacant lot to the west of those buildings.

Following commission advice given at a June 2020 meeting, Posh included a report from Lock Ridge Engineering by Scott Gold on the condition of the long neglected residential over retail buildings. Regarding the west wall which had once been attached to another structure, Gold stated, “Based on the observed conditions, it is my opinion the brick wall in question has been severely compromised and as a result is compromising the structural integrity of the building.” The letter called attention to other structural issues with the deteriorating sections of the building.

Although they favored retaining the original building storefronts and the creation of additional storefronts similar in design to the originals, the commissioners were concerned about the 6-story height, as well as the rhythm and scale of the new construction. Above the historic and historic-looking façades is a tall vertical glass curtain wall for the upper stories.

Beth Starbuck remarked, “You’re topping it with a great big glass box.”

The new mixed-use structure would abut the neighboring 6-story office building located at E. Third and New streets. “I think that six stories was a mistake for the building next door,” remarked Starbuck. She insisted the new construction should not be built that high.

Vice Chair Gary Lader noticed the design for the narrow end of the triangular building was influenced by the Flat Iron Building a few blocks away. He also noted the upper residential sections had 14-foot ceilings which contributed to the top-heavy look of the new structure.

Craig Evans was critical of what he described as a “sail or airplane wing” that capped off the top floor. “It just doesn’t fit.”

Ken Loush advised the applicants if the existing historic façades were too fragile to save, they should rebuild them “in kind.”

The applicants were reassured that the commissioners would be not entirely averse to the demo proposal. They were instructed to return with updated plans incorporating the additional board input.

Joseph T. Posh Properties owns the triangular lot facing E. Third with the Greenway trail running behind it.

Lader led the evening’s hearing. Chairman Philip Roeder had resigned his position and retired from his city job as commercial building inspector in mid-December. Although Roeder was not present at the meeting, the commissioners praised him for his years of leadership and service.

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts. The next virtual hearing is scheduled for Jan. 22.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The commission’s recommendations are later reviewed, then voted on by City Council before any project is allowed to proceed.