The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission approved two signage proposals at the May 15 meeting held in the Rotunda.

Ray Rabeh from Project Printed was granted a certificate of appropriateness for signage while representing 322 E. Third St. for The Orchid Steakhouse. One sign is a circular graphic, 45 inches in diameter featuring the restaurant’s name and floral logo in red and gray at the top corner of the building’s façade. The other is in the sign band over the entrance, measuring 24 inches by 163 inches. It was approved with or without “Steakhouse” added to the “The Orchid” lettering.

The wall-mounted signs are of pinned acrylic letters on routed PVC bases.

The three-story, circa 2005 contemporary commercial building features late Victorian detailing and is at the corner of E. Third and Polk streets. It is owned by Ashley Development.

Represented by Karen Greenlee, approval was obtained for a pair of wall-mounted signs for 1 E. Fourth St.

The permit facilitator from Downingtown-based Pro Signs explained the two new non-illuminated, wall-mounted signs feature updated “Subway” logo branding.

These replace existing and now obsolete signs at the sub shop located at the corner of E. Fourth and S. New streets. Greenlee provided color sample tiles with the corporate logo’s white, green and yellow. While the commissioners encourage the use of off-white or cream, bright white is allowed if it is part of a corporate logo’s color scheme.

Vice Chairman Craig Evans quipped, “It won’t be bright white for long,” as the building is in a high vehicular traffic location.

Similar in design, both are 30.75 inches high. The sign panel facing E. Fourth measures 89 inches wide, while the other, facing S. New, measures 101 inches.

The four-story brick residential over retail building is owned by Amicus PA, LLC.

All voting was unanimous.

After attending to the agenda items, Chairman Gary Lader requested the commissioners nominate property owners who have done an extraordinary job of renovating façades while following the historic guidelines to receive special recognition.

Laura Clifton filled in as historic officer, as Jeffrey Long was away on official business.

The May 15 meeting was the last for HCC commissioner Ken Loush, who has represented the Mount Airy district for more than 18 years. Desiree Strasser is now the sole representative for this neighborhood.

As part of previously suggested changes to the historic district ordinance, it has been discussed that one resident from the relatively small Mount Airy district represent the neighborhood located in western Bethlehem, as it is difficult to recruit two.

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.