William and Marylou Seixas were granted a certificate of appropriateness for signage for their new Couchpota.doh! Kitchen at 306 Brodhead Ave. during the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission meeting in the Rotunda May 20.

After removing the box sign left by previous tenants, the husband and wife business partners will have “Couchpota.doh!,” the name of their Ecuadoran restaurant, centered over the entrance with “Kitchen” in smaller serif lettering below and to the right. An image of a potato serves as the “o” in the company logo. Their proposal for painting the yellow metal storefront window trim black and installing two black “canvas-like” awnings over the first level of the façade was approved. It was stipulated the awnings be open-ended. The vote was unanimous.

The applicants were instructed to return with a detailed proposal for vinyl window lettering, lighting, and possible mural for the side of the building.

William Seixas told the commissioners that he had started the business with a food truck he had converted from a used mail carrier vehicle. Seixas said he prepares meals created from family recipes from his homeland.

The circa 1890s Italianate building is owned by Angelina M, LLC. and was the former home of Shabby Chimelle’s. Most of the red brick face of the building is painted a pale yellow.

Representing 310-322 E. Third St., President of Ashley Development Corp. Lou Pektor and Richard Mercado from Alloy5 Architecture received unanimous approval to replace all the windows in sleeping units to accommodate city egress requirements. They plan to convert business space to student housing on the second and third floors of the row of buildings that was constructed circa 2005 with Victorian detailing.

Pektor and Mercado proposed aluminum-clad wood Pella windows, while the board suggested all-wood windows manufactured by Norwood as a possible alternative.

Whichever manufacturer they choose, based on cost, the applicants agreed to ensure the color of the operable double-hung sash replacement windows will match the color of the existing windows. Ashley Development Corp. owns the residential over commercial buildings at the corner of E. Third and Polk streets.

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.