BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Plans for a seven-story mixed-use building on South New Street were put on hold Monday night after the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Committee raised concerns about proposed demolitions.

To construct the new building, the applicant would need to demolish 319, 321-323, 325 and 327 S. New St.

Demolition of the historic structures — specifically, the Italianate façade of 321-323 S. New St. — was a key sticking point for committee members.

“323 New Street is a beautiful old building on a very prominent spot along New Street. I’d hate to see it torn down,” said committee member Todd Chambers.

According to City Historic Officer Jeffrey Long, the proposed building would include 1,900 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and 4,300 square feet of community space reserved for tenants. Upper floors would total about 6,200 square feet each and include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments.

The proposed building would be 93 feet wide, about 96.5 feet deep, and between 75 and 78.5 feet tall. Plans call for a full-bed brick veneer, fiber cement panels, aluminum storefront windows, Fibrex windows and fabric canopies.

The several buildings slated for demolition date back to the late 19th century through 1950, Long said.

The committee expressed particular interest in preserving the Italianate façade of 321-323 S. New St.

“Losing the façade means losing the historical context of the neighborhood in the proposal,” Long said.

The applicant, however, said preserving the façade was not feasible. Eric DeLong of USA Architects in Easton said the double-wide brick structure sits on wood framing and would likely not survive shoring or construction for the new building. He also noted that modern “podium” construction requires noncombustible materials for the first two floors.

“This is a failing brick structure. We feel it’s best to remove that existing façade,” DeLong said.

Chambers encouraged exploring other design options to preserve the historic structure.

“I totally agree it’s not a practical proposition to preserve that façade and integrate it into the new structure,” Chambers said. “Sitting here, I can’t help but wonder if there are other design solutions to preserve the entire building and still build a successful project.”

For their return, the applicant was directed to provide more detailed plans and three-dimensional plans at a future date.

Long said the properties have a long history of development proposals. The committee previously held discussions from 2020 to 2022 with significant public comment on a similar yet larger project.

Earlier plans called for a nine-story building measuring 110 feet wide, 75 feet deep and between 88 and 92 feet tall. The committee ultimately recommended a Certificate of Appropriateness allowing some demolition that did not include 32-321 S. New St. and set limits on size and scale. The applicant later returned with revised designs addressing architectural rhythm, window and door openings, materials and textures, resulting in a second certificate approved by Bethlehem City Council.

325 S. New St., Bethlehem