Representing the Banana Factory Arts Center at 25 W. Third St., ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert and architect Todd Chambers from MKSD were granted a certificate of appropriateness for their revised building design at the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission’s Sept. 19 meeting held in the Rotunda.

Their previous proposal, to raze the entire complex owned by ArtsQuest and build a new five-story Southside Cultural Center on the site, had been denied in July.

Council later overruled HCC in August to allow the demolition.

Plans for the new construction feature a proposed 12-foot “stepback” and an open deck with canopy dominating the top floor on the east end. The five-story main building would face W. Third Street with a one-story section facing Northampton Street. A plaza and parking lot would be at the back of the property.

Chambers pointed out the upper floor “stepback” has been increased from six to 12 feet to make it less visible from the street.

Referencing the fixed canopy rising five feet higher from the 75-foot-high building, Desiree Strasser quipped, “Seems like the whole building will just take off.”

“The canopy and that east end treatment are not in keeping with the historic district,” opined Vice Chairman Craig Evans. He mentioned that canopies like that have only been approved when they were temporary.

Chairman Gary Lader suggested a fabric canopy at the top with fabric awnings for the storefronts to tie in with it. He also asked if salvaged pieces from the demolished buildings be layered in.

Chambers was reluctant to design something that may be considered dated 20 years from now, in response to Lader’s suggestion to make the structure more “fun” and colorful.

He noted that there are areas of the new building featuring spaces for art installations.

Hilgert said the western wall can be utilized to display colorful banners announcing exhibits, which is common practice for museums. She explained that the large windows for classrooms on the east side are necessary for providing artists with natural light.

“This design is not offensive. It is in fact somewhat light and airy and even a little welcoming,” said Bethlehem resident Bill Scheirer as he provided public comment. He expressed regret that there “doesn’t seem to be much reference to the history it is replacing.”

Approval was granted for the overall design, construction material samples including metal, brick and masonry panels, decorative fins on the front and east side façades, as well as the 12-foot stepback of the top floor.

It was stipulated the applicants use clear glass with front glazing and murals are to be installed on removable panels for storage and maintenance. They are to return with a redesigned top canopy, as the proposed one is deemed as too massive. The commission asked that they take steps to reference the building being lost in the new construction.

Having his proposed new construction tabled at a previous meeting, developer Plamen Ayuazov, accompanied by Alloy5 architect Michael Metzger, returned with a revised design. The proposal for the red brick and light-colored stucco mixed use building finally passed.

Evans noted the lighter color stucco capped with a light color flashing helped mitigate the 6-story height of the structure.

“It’s so much in contrast with everything in the district,” remarked Lader who struggled with how the new building would fit in. He asked if a more traditional cornice could be added.

“A hundred years from now this building will be ‘historic,’” countered Metzger about the modern look of the building.

Scheirer advanced to the podium to comment on this building proposal. He said, “Just one little vote for cornices. I think it is possibly the most distinctive feature of historic South Side architecture.”

Also commenting, Chambers supported the project with, “Buildings that are of this time period on the South Side actually enhances the historic nature of the adjacent properties.”

Approval was granted for the building design with the aluminum clad wood windows meeting the criteria for rhythm, aluminum storefront framing with clear glazing, and the provided material samples.

The property is owned by Monocacy Development which received permission to demolish the existing structure on the site in 2021.

Mark Plosa, with the assistance of Barry Camfield from Paul Wright Roofing, was granted a COA for roof replacement and renovations to the façade of 328-330 W. Fourth St .

GAF Slateline shingles were approved as a replacement for the failing century old slate. Replacing the rubber membrane that lines the box gutters and flat areas was also allowed.

The existing painted brick on the front and west side of the building was approved for repainting, as well as any damaged soffit, fascia and trim that is to be repaired “in kind.”

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.