The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission reviewed and approved two projects presented by architect Christine Ussler at the June 19 meeting held in the Rotunda.

Accompanied by developer Dallas Basha, Ussler from Artefact Inc. built on HCC input from prior meetings for the former Grace Mansion at 114 W. Fourth St. While continuing to restore the Queen Anne style residence, the applicants design proposal for the property includes a second story studio apartment addition on the mansion’s west side, relocating and repurposing an existing brick garage, enclosing the mansion’s back porch, and building a 3-story apartment building with six apartments at the rear of the property.

In order to create an off-street parking area, a 32-foot section of a stone wall along Martel Street would be taken out and incorporated into the new construction. A flagstone courtyard is to be adjacent to the front of the relocated garage.

HCC members agreed that the project follows historic guidelines. The applicants are to return with additional details and construction material samples. “It’s a good project,” remarked Vice Chairman Craig Evans.

Former Bethlehem Steel President and Chairman Eugene Gifford Grace and his family lived in the historic residence from 1902-06 and the garage was likely constructed at that time.

Representing 125 E. Third St., Ussler was granted another certificate of appropriateness for continued renovation of the front façade of 125 E. Third St. After selective demo of the area around the heavily-altered first floor storefront, Ussler reported there was nothing historically original left of the circa 1910 Classic Revival building.

Her proposed wood and composite material cornice and sign panels for above the previously-approved storefront windows and entrance door pay homage to architectural design elements of that era. Marble tile cladding was approved for the knee wall and column.

The three-story residential over commercial building is owned by Chad Jarrah.

Two signage proposals were successful.

Contractor Ali Nastah from FX Company scored a COA for permanent window signage for Lite Smoke Shop at 507 E. Fourth St. Prior to approval, Nastah agreed to reduce the size of the logo and other type as well as moving them up toward the top of the shop window. Chairman Gary Lader suggested business hours should be displayed on the entrance door glass instead of the logo.

The applicant was asked to provide the historic officer with a scale drawing of the final sign design for review.

The 2.5-story wood building is owned by Richard Cantelmi.

Business owner Andrew Underwood received approval for his hanging and window signage proposal for Donards Donuts at 3 E. Fourth St. Besides the black, white and yellow company logo, colorful window graphics of a donut and macaroons were okay’d.

A two-sided, two-panel hanging sign with black iron bracket was approved with the stipulation it be attached to mortar joints. The top panel reads “Nitro Cold Brew & Espresso” and the one under reads “Donuts over Macarons.”

The applicant was instructed to provide a revised scale drawing with pinstripe and dimensions indicating how high up the hanging sign will be.

The 4-story circa 1900 Italianate building is owned by Amicus Properties.

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.