The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission unanimously issued a certificate of appropriateness for Brian Ziegler’s patio proposal for 905 W. Market St. at their April 21 City Hall meeting.

Architect Gary Lader assisted Ziegler in presenting the proposal for a new 37-foot by 29.2-foot concrete patio at the west side of the circa 1905 Victorian-style frame residence.

Ziegler mentioned he has lived in the residence since he was 12 years old and has been lovingly maintaining it since he bought the house from his mother. He pointed out the wraparound patio mimics the wraparound front porch.

The patio will be enclosed by a short gray stone veneer wall with gray ribbon mortar capped with bluestone. The stone veneer is to match the house’s stone foundation. A cast in place concrete stair allows access to the yard.

“I’ve tried to keep it original,” remarked the homeowner on his ongoing efforts at renovation.

The corner property is owned by Ziegler and his wife.

Vice Chair Craig Evans presided over the hearing as Lader, who serves as Bethlehem HCC chairman, recused himself from voting.

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.

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