The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission issued a certificate of appropriateness to allow demolition of a noncontributing structure at 117 E. Fourth St. Oct. 16 meeting held in the Rotunda. Chairman Gary Lader recused himself and turned over the gavel to Vice Chair Craig Evans for this one proposal.

Representing the property were Kevin Serfass of Serfass Construction Co. and Zein Basma from Bonsall Shafferman. While the proposal had been approved in November 2021, the applicants were instructed to provide additional details and construction material samples for the proposed residential over commercial infill building before tearing down the former South Side Boys & Girls Club, which closed in 2017.

The commissioners viewed design changes to the seven-story high main building flanked by three-story wings. Among these are the aligning vertical window bays, adding a masonry sill to one of the building’s wings and a storefront apron to the front entrance, as well as a cornice detail to the front façade of the other wing. A parking garage door was removed from the E. Fourth Street-facing façade and masonry window sills were added to upper windows. Metal canopies are to be suspended over some of the entrances.

Three brick veneers: dark gray, red and light gray, and a dark gray stucco were among the construction samples provided. While the board was okay with color choices, they were concerned about the color of the mortar. They also voiced concern about the proposed vinyl windows, which are cited by historic guidelines as being “not appropriate.” The applicants were encouraged to use aluminum-clad wood windows.

A COA was issued approving revisions to the previous COA and an additional one was granted for the proposed details and finishes. While the demo phase of the project can proceed, it was stipulated the applicants must return with additional details for railings, sills and lintels, cornice, storefront and window materials, signage, as well as mortar samples. Voting was 4-1, with Lader abstaining.

SOBE 117, Inc. and Lehigh SH Development, LLC are listed as owners of the 1.5-story contemporary structure.

Mark Inigo and Mary Almodovar scored a COA for their signage proposal for 412 E. Fourth St. The new business was approved for a brown, double-sided MDO (medium density overlay) plywood blade sign with “Botanica Chango” centered over “Spiritual Wonders” in warm white lettering. They are sandwiched by diamond-shaped graphics with thin lines above and below in warm white on the 22-inch by 40-inch oval sign hung from an existing bracket.

Approved window signage has the company name in brown and warm white lettering centered over a logo and informational lettering below it. The applicants were asked to reduce the informational lettering by 50 percent.

The three-story residential over retail building built circa late 19th century is owned by Noel Anatalio.

Representing 30 E. Fourth St., Jim Brett from Forman Sign Company and building owner Anthony Rybak were given the green light for their sign proposal. The new non-illuminated wall sign for the state store’s façade features a rebranding of the existing “Wine and Spirits” lettering that is to appear across Pennsylvania.

While the colors are brown and white, the board asked the applicants to use a warm white, if possible, but company logo colors are considered acceptable.

The cast stone and brick building was constructed in the 1930s in the Art Deco style.

All voting on signage was unanimous.

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.