Property owner Dr. Ann Hunsicker and architect Todd Chambers were granted a certificate of appropriateness for their revised proposal to renovate the front façade of 21-23 E. Third St. The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission unanimously voted to approve the project at the May 16 meeting at the Rotunda.

The applicants returned with a plan that included recommendations the board had made at the previous meeting. The black aluminum storefront door frame now includes a 10-inch apron. Divided light double-hung windows for the upper floor and the partial divided light design of the first floor windows were approved. HCC usually prefers one-over-one or two-over-two windows as historically appropriate. Photographs of neighboring buildings with divided light windows convinced the board to allow for this exception. Architect and former historic officer Chris Ussler spoke in support of the project.

Hunsicker and Chambers found that the brick underneath cement board panels could be restored through repointing and sealing. The existing blue window awnings are to be replaced with black Sunbrella canvas.

Signage for Toastique Gourmet Toast & Juice Bar, and storefront window was also approved. These include one along the façade sign band, one hanging blade sign, and vinyl graphics for the window.

The two-story, 5-bay masonry building built circa 1920 was the former home of Cleo’s Silversmith Studio and Domaci. The first floor showroom is being converted into two commercial/retail units.

To the delight of the applicants and HCC, Bethlehem resident Kim Carrell-Smith provided a historic photo of that address from the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s digital archive. It appeared in a Drissel & Eberts Hardware ad from “Semi-Centennial: The Borough of South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – Souvenir History” published in 1915.

Christine Ussler assisted developer Dallas Basha as he sought advice from HCC on a project for behind Grace Mansion at 114 W. Fourth St. The board informally critiqued his proposed new infill construction for a 3-story twin building. Constructed to have an appearance and scale of South Bethlehem row homes, the structure would house six apartments. The new addition would be 15 feet back from the rear porches of the circa 1880s mansion.

HCC members balked at the proposed demolition of the detached garage to make way for the new building. Former Bethlehem Steel President and Chairman Eugene Gifford Grace and his family lived in the residence from 1902-06 and the garage was possibly, but not definitely, constructed at that time.

The applicants pointed out that with a modern garage door and replacement windows, the garage no longer conveys its historic character and would be unseen behind the new construction, anyway.

Basha stated that he needed the additional revenue generated by the proposed apartment building to help maintain the historic structure located in front of it.

It was suggested he repurpose the garage instead of razing it.

As this was a discussion item, no vote was held.

Basha successfully petitioned the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission for a COA to renovate the exterior of the historic Grace Mansion in 2018. The interior is being converted to apartments.

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.