Lehigh University alumnus Dallas Basha successfully petitioned the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission Nov. 19 for a certificate of appropriateness to renovate the exterior of the historic Grace Mansion at 114 W. Fourth St. Basha’s proposal states, “He seeks to restore it to the Bethlehem landmark that it is,” for his recently purchased property. Repairs include a new roof with Antique Slate GAF Slateline shingles, repairing and re-pointing the brick on the building and stone in the retaining wall, as well as cleaning, patching and painting the wood trim, soffits, railings, rusted steel lintels, exterior basement door, staircases, and deck with their original colors.

Basha plans to convert the building into apartments. A previous developer’s plans to build six new townhouses behind the circa 1880s house had been rejected by the commission in May 2018. Former Bethlehem Steel President and Chairman Eugene Gifford Grace and his family lived in the residence from 1902-06.

Basha received a temporary setback of his ambitious project for the vacant lot at 13 W. Morton St. Having worked with the board on several revisions to his four-story apartments over commercial building, he was told his proposed ornamental cornice was “too ornamental.” Although the design had been denied, Basha was able to come to an agreement, according to Chairman Philip Roeder.

Vice Chair Gary Lader abstained from voting on those two agenda items.

A proposal for expanding the dining area on the top floor of 306 S. New St. for the Zest Bar and Grille was rejected by the board. James Eck represented the project for the new restaurant at Dennis Benner’s six-story structure at the corner of S. New and W. Third streets. Eck requested permission to push the north wall out to the edge of the deck utilizing an architectural composite metal panel and glazing system. The BHCC denied the application as the COA previously granted for the building was based on the condition that the top floor be recessed along the W. Third Street side by 12 feet to lessen visibility from the street. Bethlehem’s building and planning department somehow overlooked the commission’s earlier decision when issuing building permits for the additional restaurant space. Construction was halted by the city when the error was discovered. The Zest Bar and Grille is co-owned by John Trapani and John “JP” Pukanecz. (city council later voted 6-2 to override the denial issued by the BHCC.)

Signage proposals designed by Valley Wide Signs for Zest and additional tenants of 306 S. New St. fared better with the commissioners. The sign for “Zest,” composed of exterior lit stainless steel letters, painted black and attached to the metal façade of the northeast corner facing Third Street, was okayed.

“Lehigh University” spelled out in brushed aluminum letters and stud mounted to the center of the fifth floor of the building’s Third Street façade was approved, as well as similar treatment for the St. Luke’s logo to be installed on the fourth floor below Lehigh’s sign.

Sagra Beans Coffee House & Roastery, the building’s first floor tenant at 306 S. New St., was granted a COA for its non-illuminated panel sign with painted silver acrylic letters on a black background, to be mounted to the structure’s existing silver sign band. The coffee house was also permitted to place logos on the pair of entrance doors.

Greenway 1, Inc., is the registered owner of the recently constructed building, that had drawn controversy over its height.

Food Geeks, a new eatery at 129 E. 3rd St., received approval for a 2-ft. x 7-ft. sign above the storefront and a window sign, both featuring the business’s clever logo, pending a reduction in size and the addition of a pinstripe. East Allen Rental is the building’s owner.

A signage proposal for Tasty China at 134-136 W. Fourth St. was tabled as incomplete.

New roofing at 401 E. 4th St. was met with board approval for the corner property owned by Kalavathi Shunmugam. The yellow brick building, sporting a two-story round turret, is home to the Bridnhaavan South Indian Restaurant.

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. Hearings are regularly scheduled on the third Monday of the month at city hall.

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 BHCC’s recommendations are later reviewed, then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.