The Historical and Architectural Review Board granted a certificate of appropriateness for a major project to upgrade worn out windows for 89 W. Church St. during the Dec. 1 in-person, live streamed meeting at the Rotunda.

Representing the proposal to replace all the windows on the Historic Brethren’s House was Sal Verrastro from Spillman Farmer Architects. Amber Denato, from Moravian University, would occasionally answer questions from her seat in the audience.

Verrastro informed the board that the existing windows are not original to the building which was erected in 1748 by the Moravians as the Single Brethren’s House. The stone façade was stuccoed over, while the windows and doors were altered as the building was converted for use as the Young Ladies Seminary in 1815.

Windows were again altered or replaced in 1859, the 1960s, then again in the 1970s.

Verrastro supplied the commissioners with photographs of several of these ’70s replacement windows that show the wood has rotted over the years due to condensation. He mentioned Moravian University’s music department currently uses the building and the new windows will provide better acoustics for the occupants, as well as being energy efficient.

He also wheeled in a mock up of one of the proposed replacement windows.

Approval was contingent on the glass panes not being tinted.

Representing the Market Street Condo Association for 56 W. Market St., Helen Smith successfully scored a COA for a revised address sign proposal. Taking the board’s advice on “keeping it simple” from the September meeting, the number “56” in a 7-inch-tall black serif font will be attached to mortar joints over an 8-foot brick archway.

The commissioners approved new GAF Slateline replacement roofing for 443 Linden St. Representing the project was homeowner Brie Lisk, assisted by Ron Richhart from Roof Tight Co.

The board balked at the “English Grey” color, preferring “Antique Slate,” which they said had “less variation in color from one shingle to another.”

While the COA requests “Antique Slate” be used, the applicants will be permitted to go with their first choice, based on product availability and the need to fix a leaky roof as soon as possible.

All voting was unanimous.

Three guests from the Bethlehem Historic District Association (BHDA) pulled up chairs to discuss their concerns about UGI installing new gas meters in front of historic structures. They included board President Alan Lowcher, Vice President Will Carpenter and Holly Sachdev.

During this discourse, they were informed that neither the city nor HARB has jurisdiction over UGI.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for city council to vote on it before proceeding.