After hearing public resistance to a proposal to install three additional stories atop the circa 1930s Woolworth Building on Main Street, the Historical and Architectural Review Board tabled the proposal at the meeting held Dec. 4 in city hall’s Rotunda.

Representing the project for 555 Main St. were Lou Pektor III and Gabriel Solms from Ashley Development, along with MKSD architects Todd Chambers and Shayne Serrano.

According to the plans submitted, the proposed new construction would include two stories of residential units with a 6-foot outdoor terrace in front, with the parapet of the existing building serving as a railing. The addition would align with the neighboring Main Street Commons building. A mix of one and two bedroom units are planned.

Three stories of residential units would be built atop the 1-story back section of the building facing Rubel Street. These would align with the section built atop the 2-story existing building facing Main Street.

The front façade would be constructed of brick while the back end would be of brick and lap siding.

Chairperson Connie Postupack remarked the front façade windows resembled “schoolhouse windows.”

Joe McGavin opined the contemporary window design was “not compatible” with the streetscape.

There was pushback from two Bethlehem residents on raising the roof of the former dime store.

“We’ve witnessed over the past five or six years regular violations of the Secretary of Interior’s standards in the Southside Conservation District,” remarked Dana Grubb. “I’m concerned that by taking a step like this on Main Street, are we opening a door to other compromises to the Main Street streetscape and the history it represents?”

Former HARB chair and conceptual architect Marsha Fritz urged the commissioners to “reject” the proposal.

“The building that exists there today was replicated with variations throughout the country. That building is important …” said Fritz, “not only does it references its time, the merchandising of its period, it’s a contributing building to our irreplaceable historic district.”

Visiting Allentown HARB Chair AJ Jordan approached the podium and suggested replacing the proposed modern asymmetrical windows on the upper floor façade with a symmetrical design to reflect the diverse, but symmetrical windows of the neighboring structures.

Historic Officer Joseph Phillips sketched out a suggestion to the façade design suggested by Postupack that addresses the flatness of the two upper stories.

Chambers expressed gratitude for the feedback and said they will return in a month.

The property is owned by Rubel Street II.

Sandra Tauckus was successful with her proposal to build an addition to the home she and her husband Peter own at 60 E. Church St. Assisted by architects Ralph Fey and George Walbert, she was granted a certificate of appropriateness to enclose a side porch and a sleeping porch above it on the middle of two additions at the rear of the main house. The other addition is an existing attached garage. The new 18-foot by 19-foot, 1-story family room addition attaches to the first-floor porch on the eastern side of the property and extends out along an existing terrace. A new terrace will be sandwiched between the new addition and the back wall of the main house.

A brick fireplace, French doors and casement windows were okayed for the family room. New TruExterior Poly-ash Craftsman Collection 1 by 6-inch smooth siding and a pair of double-hung windows for the enclosed sleeping porch were approved as well. The paintable composite siding replicates the look and feel of traditional wood siding according to the applicants. The commissioners were assured this product has been approved for other historic districts.

The metal roof is to be aluminum painted Classic Bronze.

New Timberline poly-ash paneled and louvered shutters were approved for the original brick circa 1860 house facing Church Street.

It was stipulated the applicants drop off samples of the new material to the zoning office to be shared among the commissioners.

On behalf of shop owner Carole Pirozzi, Sonny Moon Manager Linda Storey received approval for a 2-sided circular sign for 459 Main St.

The design called for a 36 inch diameter carved sign with gold metallic lettering on a medium blue background.

It passed with the stipulation it be ¬reduced to 34 inches with a gold band to go around the edge of the sign. The bottom of the disk must be at least 8 feet above grade.

Previously occupied by the Bethlehem House Gallery, the first-floor retail space is now home to a children’s shop offering clothing, toys and gifts in the brownstone building owned by Bradley Mulkern.

Alan Kunsman contractor Sage Rosenberry quickly scored a COA for replacing roofing on a 1-story rear garage at 25 E. Wall St. with GAF Slateline shingles in Antique Slate and copper flashing around a chimney. The property is owned by Sarah McIntosh. 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.