BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission again voted to delay a decision for a seven-story mixed-use building on South New Street on Monday.
To construct the new building, the applicant would need to demolish 319, 321-323, 325 and 327 S. New St.
Demolition of these historic structures — specifically, the Italianate façade of 321-323 S. New St. — was yet again a key sticking point for committee members.
The project was reviewed by the board at its last meeting, where the applicant was charged with creating plans that saved the façade.
On Monday, the applicant provided plans whose design paid tribute to the former building.
Commission member Todd Chambers suggested keeping a portion of the building to save the façade, which was something he acknowledged could throw a wrench in the applicant’s plans.
“[Changes] may throw your entire construction type in the trash and you have to start over, but those are the kind of considerations I think we’re asking you to explore before…we can allow demolition of this building,” Chambers said.
The applicant, however, reiterated that saving the façade was not feasible. They’ve said the double-wide brick structure sits on wood framing and would likely not survive shoring or construction for the new building. The applicant has also noted that modern “podium” construction requires noncombustible materials for the first two floors.
“We’re not able to preserve it and build around it…that’s why we feel it’s best to emulate as much of the details as possible and bring it back in that same spirit with a new façade,” said Anthony Civitella with USA Architects.
Ultimately, the commission agreed to table its vote on the project for the second time, with the request that the applicant bring back exploration of design solutions that could preserve the existing contributing building, along with economic data about the viability of that option.
Officials said they wanted to see other options for this development, while maintaining the existing building. If that proves economically unfeasible, the historic board would like to see the façade replicated with the same window patterns and sizes, while salvaging window heads and sills and cornice lines.
According to city records, 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. In total, the project has 42 apartments: 30 offering one bedroom and 12 providing two bedrooms.
The proposed building would be 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.
Officials 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.