The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission granted a certificate of appropriateness to East Spruce LLC architect Elliot Nolter for storefront work at 325 Broadway at the Aug. 19 meeting in the Rotunda.

Having the proposal tabled at the June 17 meeting, Nolter returned to address the concerns brought up by board members at that time.

After viewing the highly-detailed site plan, signage rendering and specs on a proposed retractable awning, they granted a certificate of appropriateness for the project. Nolter provided photos of the building’s existing façade with the modern exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), rotted cornice and sign band removed during exploratory work.

325 Broadway is sandwiched between Seven Sirens Brewing Company and the Flat Iron Building and had been previously occupied by a Metro by T-Mobile store.

Approved signage for the new tenant, The Pizza Joint, includes a three-dimensional black mounted pizza slice logo with cutlery attached to mortar joints on the brick wall flanking the entrance on one side of the storefront, and a red vinyl logo with white letters over it spelling out “The Pizza Joint” attached to the inside glazing of the shop window.

As the eatery serves takeout customers only, the commissioners allowed the name of the restaurant in red letters on a black canvas retractable awning centered between the website and phone number for the business in white. The awning would be installed along the sign band across the entire front façade.

Nolter was instructed to attempt to remove the cementitious adhesive residue left behind after removing exterior insulation and restore the affected bricks, if possible.

The applicant was also given permission to paint over the damaged brickwork, if necessary, if the bricks were marred by chiseling off the hardened material, as long as the surface is smoothed over.

Nolter’s proposal to upgrade the entrance for ADA compliance, construct a new raised concrete “stoop” to allow for wheelchair access from the Southwest corner, wasn’t under the board’s purview and would have to be reviewed by the city zoning and engineering departments.

The three-story building, built circa 1900 is owned by Sycamore Hill Farm Development.

Voting was unanimous.

Before adjourning, Lader announced that Roger Hudak has decided to retire from HCC. “He was a great person to have with us with all of his vast knowledge and experience living on the Southside.”

Lader continued, “We appreciate his serving with us these number of years.”

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.