Having found itself one member shy of a quorum for the hearing scheduled for Dec. 20, 2021, the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission reconvened for a special in-person, masked hearing Jan. 5. The HCC usually meets toward the end of the month.

At nearly three hours and 20 minutes, new commissioner Desiree Strasser and her colleagues were in for a long evening.

Assisted by architect Carlos Tovar, John Callahan from Peron Development was granted a certificate of appropriateness for a new 5-story mixed use building at 305 E. Third St. Previously reviewed and rejected by the board at the Aug. 30, 2021 meeting for 307 E. Third St., the revised proposal with a revised address was approved.

The proposed masonry-clad building includes 1,990 square feet of retail space with 44 one- and two-bedroom apartments on the upper floors. The commissioners stipulated James Hardie fish scale siding for the top floor Mansard-like roof, brick veneer for a stairway, and half-round copper gutters with round downspouts. Applicants are to provide additional cut sheets and samples of materials to the historic officer.

The property at E. Third and Taylor streets is currently a surface parking lot with no structures.

Architect Jordan Clark returned with revisions to a proposed 9-story high rise for 317-327 S. New St., which had previously been tabled at the November 2021 meeting.

By incorporating previous board recommendations, Clark received approval for the new construction that would call for the demolition of several structures on the site, while still retaining the façades of two of the existing historic buildings. “Thanks for putting the work into it,” said Vice Chairman Craig Evans.

Design changes include replacing aluminum paneling from the upper two floors with limestone veneer and adding a cornice at the roof line. Rear exit doors are to be centered with window bays above, and awnings added over the doors.

Clark also represented the Holy Infancy School repurposing project at 127 E. Fourth St. He scored a COA to convert the 4-story 1925 Italianate Revival style brick into 24 apartments over a commercial space.

The exterior work is limited to opening previously closed window openings and replacing all doors and windows with energy efficient units. An exterior ramp on the side of the building is to be reconstructed to be ADA compliant. The new windows will replace old replacement windows with a design to replicate what is shown in a circa 1929 photograph of the school.

The applicant was instructed to provide cut sheets and product materials to the commissioners.

Both properties are owned by developers Rafael Palomino and Jeffrey Quinn.

Touchstone Theatre Facilities Manager Chris Egging received permission to install a new EPDM roof system on top of the existing flat white coated surface at 321 E. Fourth St. Included is the removal and disposal of the existing terra cotta coping stones and installing half-inch CDX plywood on the inner face and solid 2 by 10 inch lumber on top of the revealed brick surface.

Egging explained the masonry work under the terra cotta coping stones “is crumbling and falling out.” The resulting leaks are causing extensive damage to the interior walls.

Chairman Gary Lader offered to allow a newer material painted dark bronze to replace the deteriorated terra cotta.

The circa 1890 brick building with a twentieth century addition is owned by the nonprofit.

Ali Kishar was granted a COA for signage for his new restaurant at 127-129 E. Third St. His New Jersey-based sign maker, Rod Delgado from Smart Graphics, participated by phone.

The approved signage features “King Wing” with a cartoon rooster head for across the cornice in PVC letters, as well as a similar vinyl window sign.

The applicant agreed to remove existing LED lighting in the window. He was advised to attach the sign band lettering to an Azek backer board with a pin stripe around it. The vinyl window stickers should not be outlined in white as originally proposed.

The circa 1890 Federal Revival style building, owned by PJ Century, LLC., was the former location of New York Gyro.

Holy Family Senior Living CEO Joseph Shadid, assisted by Maintenance Director Randy Smith, were advised to return with product options that look more like slate for their tabled roof replacement proposal for 1200 Spring St.

The facility is located in the historic Eugene Gifford Grace mansion in the Mount Airy District. Grace (1876-1960) served as president of Bethlehem Steel Corp. from 1916-45 and board chairman until 1957.

The three and one-half-story brick building was built in the early twentieth century in a Classical Revival style. It is a sprawling interconnected structure with a rear addition built in 1968.

They were advised to consider replacing any deteriorated slate shingles in kind by Roger Hudak. He said, “Slate will outlast all of us.”

For a second time, the commissioners tabled Scott Bartkus’ façade proposal for 210-212 E. Third St.

Although Bartkus revised his plans and the commissioners welcomed his intent, the board recommended he consult with a licensed design professional who is familiar with historic district guidelines.

“Any change to those windows is going to be an improvement,” remarked Historic Officer Jeff Long after noting that storefront changes over many years lost defining features, leaving the structure with no identifying style. “Any change to the building,” replied Bartkus.

The proposal involves removing vinyl siding and replacing it with brick veneer on the east façade, replacing or covering over the Permastone on the north façade with brick veneer, as well as restoring the glass storefront and replacing three double-hung windows. The veneer is to match the brick on the west wall.

The applicant was provided a packet of storefront guidelines and was advised to return with more detailed plans that include dimensions and relevant product specs.

The circa 1900 two-story masonry building is owned by 210 E. 3rd Street LLC. and home to The Aging Moon, a cheese and party tray catering business.

All voting was unanimous.

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.

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, and then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.