“Has technology started to outpace the guidelines that we follow?“ asked Vice Chair Diana Hodgson during the Sept. 4 regular meeting of the Historical and Architectural Review Board held in the Rotunda.

The team from West Market Street Partners LLC returned to seek a certificate of appropriateness for their proposal to replace 36 windows at the historic building they own at 30-32 W. Market St.

Properties Manager Brett Irwin presented the proposal at the Aug. 4 meeting, but it had been tabled. He was instructed to come back with quotes for repairing and repainting the existing windows, as well as alternative replacement solutions.

Peter Polt and Louis Intile accompanied Irwin with most of the requested information. They provided photos of the failing windows showing there was wood rot, warping and water infiltration they said left the windows “beyond repair.”

Comparing the sample all-wood replacement window they provided alongside the Marvin Elevate fiberglass composite window sample, the trio explained that the composite window can be custom built to replicate the exact dimensions of the details of the original windows and with the factory finish will last three decades or more. Additionally, the factory finish can be painted over. The interior portion of the units were of wood.

They pointed out that newer wood windows do not enjoy the longevity of the original hardwood windows made with tighter grain from old-growth timber.

When Joe McGavin pored over the detailed specs for the window’s construction, he was impressed with the precision of the measurements. Usually clad windows can appear more bulky than the windows being replaced.

He, Hodgson and other commissioners pondered if technology was outpacing the historic guidelines the board follows.

Keenly aware of potentially establishing a precedent, the COA was worded to allow for the replacement windows to be of “Ultrex protruded fiberglass exterior finish” to match each of the individual windows. “Cashmere” was the approved color.

Approval was granted for the installation of new 6” half round gutters and a box gutter if it is determined that one once existed during renovations.

The large red brick house was built circa 1868.

Lindsey Jancay from Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, accompanied by architect Christine Ussler, as quickly granted a COA for new signage for 501 Main St.

With the nonprofit’s repurposing the building they own next door as a dry goods store, the historic Goundie House is now home to their new welcome center.

Hanging from a black scroll bracket, the approved two-sided sign measures 42 inches by 42 inches and reads: “Goundie House Welcome Center,” centered over “Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.” The lettering and graphics will be hand-painted or premium cut vinyl graphics.

Built in 1810 by Moravian town brewer John Sebastian Goundie, this American Federal style building is believed to be the first brick residence in Bethlehem.

Homebuyer Maureen Long was successful with her proposal to replace the existing oil furnace, along with window and wall air conditioners, with a Bosch Climate 5000 Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump on the western wall at 227 E. Church St.

The commissioners granted Curtis Shafer permission to replace the roof of his residence at 238 E. Wall St. with GAF Slateline shingles in Antique Slate.

Ian van Halem also was given a green light to replace his leaking GAF Slateline shingled roof at 127 E. Wall St with GAF Slateline shingles in Antique Slate. He was instructed to use copper flashing around his two chimneys, one of which leads to an unused fireplace.

The homeowner’s proposal to repair and replace the roof eave and rake trim board was approved as well.

All voting was unanimous.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for city council to vote on it before proceeding. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.