ArtsQuest returned to the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission Dec. 17 with reworked plans for their major transformation of the Banana Factory complex.

Incorporating input from board advice and public comments gathered at the September hearing, ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert and MKSD architect Todd Chambers presented a revised plan that preserves a historic building previously slated for demolition. Although the proposal was tabled, they were told that the $16-18 million project was heading in the right direction.

To make way for a new community cultural arts center, the original proposal called for the demolition of five of the six buildings in the complex at 25 W. Third St., including the early twentieth century three-story red brick and structural terra cotta D. Theodoredis Wholesale Banana Co. warehouse facing Northampton Sreet. and a circa 1885 stuccoed house facing W. Third Street.

Yielding to the commission’s concerns regarding the removal of “contributing structures,” ArtsQuest’s revised proposal preserves the original warehouse for which the campus is named while incorporating it into the new construction. A circa 1925 one-story former auto parts store with a terra cotta cornice and entry gable that currently serves as the Crayola Gallery remains as first proposed. ArtsQuest now looks to attach a 3-D sculptural gallery to it along the east wall.

ArtQuest’s revised plan still calls for the 1885 single-family residence to be razed to make way for an outdoor plaza between the new building and the former auto parts store. This drew mixed reactions from the committee. Hilgert and Chambers successfully argued that the dwelling has been so altered over the years it has lost its “historic integrity.” Chambers also provided cost estimates for renovating it at $400,000 or moving it at $548,000. They assured the board the house’s decorative front door, door surround, entry roof and supporting brackets would be salvaged for reuse elsewhere within the new campus.

Roger Hudak related some of the history of the nineteenth century residence that he had recently learned from a realtor friend who once owned it. “The second floor of the house was a speakeasy. He wanted to know if the bar was still there,” said Hudak, adding, “The third floor was inhabited by a number of ladies of ‘ill repute.’” He quipped, “Somewhere out there in the Great Wide Open they’re laughing at us as we try to preserve a historic cathouse.”

BHCC had few issues with the demolition of a 1953 addition to the original warehouse, a garage that was added in 1960, and what was built as contemporary infill when the Banana Factory complex was created in 2000. These were considered “non-contributing.”

The commissioners welcomed the reduction to three stories from the previously proposed four-story new construction on the site of the current plaza and parking lot. They were also impressed with the preliminary design of the new structure as one that would fit into the streetscape and complement the industrial nature of the surrounding area.

A parking lot is planned at the West Second Street side of the property, with an outdoor plaza between it and the north face of the building. Some on the board questioned the need for the lot with parking garages nearby. They were told that the artists and other building tenants requested there be onsite parking available, as well as a safe drop-off space for students.

Hilgert said both plaza areas would serve multipurpose functions. She envisioned them as outdoor classrooms, as well as staging areas for public events.

When public comment was invited, Bethlehem resident Breena Holland questioned what the view of the West Second Street parking lot would be like from Riverport across from it. Her concerns about the overall view from Rt. 378 were allayed by the project’s architect.

Audience members Dr. Bill Woodruff and Dr. Lee Riley voiced support for the project.

The commissioners also tabled proposed action on signage to the front façade of 327 Broadway and major alterations to the back of the building that faces 324 W. Fourth St. Larry Eighmy, owner of the property through Sycamore Hill Farm Development, was accompanied by architect Elliott Nolter and Seven Sirens Brewing Company owners Jordon Serulneck and Joshua Divers. The preliminary sign design for Seven Sirens Brewing Co. is a sans serif “trademarked font” of brushed aluminum letters on the Broadway side, illuminated by gooseneck lamps or light bar on a dark gray background.

According to Nolter, the West Fourth Street façade was redesigned to reflect historic proportions, but not replicate the lost design of what was once a circa 1880s decorative department store façade that been completely obliterated when the building was converted into an auto sales and service location in 1929. Eighmy looks to convert what is now a parking garage into a magistrate’s office and courtroom with secure parking, a microbrewery, and other commercial space.

The board advised them not to use reflective glass as proposed, but continue working on the design to reflect more historic proportions.

Representing 134-136 W. Fourth St., Ming Jiang Dong and Jay Xiao received approval for a new 36-inch by 120-inch box sign for “Tasty China” and “Chinese Cuisine” in sans serif letters, and Chinese calligraphic symbols and telephone number. The blue, green and red lettering and pinstripe is on an off-white background and externally lit. Similar vinyl window graphics were approved as well, with the phone number to be smaller than the rest of the type.

Dong is the owner of the two-story commercial building at the corner of West Fourth Street and Brodhead Avenue.

A request to re-vinyl an existing 24-inch x 144-inch sign for The Las Americas Bakery at 736 E. Fourth St. was quickly approved with the suggestion that baker and business owner Francisco Mendez, correct a grammatical error in the business slogan to read “Finest Baked Goods.” The dark brown serif lettering and pinstripe appear on an off white background. Emmanuel Mendez assisted with the proposal. The three-story building is owned by Lehigh Valley 4 Rent, LLC.

Maureen McWilliams from C/O Allied Signs scored a COA for a storefront sign incorporating board modifications for ReV-el, formerly known as The Broadway Social at 217 Broadway. McWilliams agreed to reduce its size and make it oval-shaped to relate to the logo’s oval shape. Instead of covering the “Lehigh No. 1” built-in letters and decorative terra cotta lion heads on the face of the former 1885 firehouse, the new sign would be located below those historic architectural elements. Off white vinyl signage for the social club’s front window was also approved. The descender in the letter “R” of the blue and off white script logo encircles itself with its own pinstripe noted board members Vice Chairman Gary Lader and Beth Starbuck.

The building is owned by Greg Salomoni.

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.

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.