The Historical and Architectural Review Board critiqued plans for a 7-story mixed-use building on Block 14 adjacent to the controversial Walnut Street Garage at their 3.5-hour-long Aug. 13 meeting held at City Hall’s Rotunda.

Representing the western section of the vacant lot created by the razing of the aging city-owned garage, were Larken Associates Chief Executive Officer David Gardner and Minno & Wasko architect Stuart Johnson.

The Bethlehem Parking Authority’s new garage is now under construction on the eastern side of the property. The Ironside Lofts proposal for first floor commercial spaces with 108 multifamily units above, drew mixed reactions from board members and public commentators.

Johnson said the front façade of the new building facing Walnut Street would be aligned with the garage façade. “We styled the building after a contemporary loft-style building,” he explained. Instead of a flat and static look Johnson said, “We’re actually stepping our building with up to 18 inches.” This he claimed “allows for a wider sidewalk.”

The proposal calls for 61 1-bedroom apartments and 47 2-bedroom units. The building’s footprint would be U-shaped on the south façade where apartments would face a private courtyard. Five units on the seventh floor are to be set back around eight to 10 feet, which will provide renters with a walkout terrace.

“It’s a gorgeous building, there’s no doubt about it,“ said Vice Chair Diana Hodgson. “I think it’s too tall.”

Chairperson Connie Postupack agreed and asked, “Is it possible to lower the height?” Although they liked the overall design of the building, some board members expressed concern the building was “too tall” for the historic district. Joe McGavin pointed out that if a story or two of the apartment building were eliminated, the appearance of the façades would likely be scaled back to save on cost and the west wall of the parking garage would be visible.

Residents and business owners addressed HARB on the project.

Kaleidescope Collective owner Melis Carroll spoke in support of the project.

Hotel Bethlehem Managing Partner Bruce Haines and nearby resident Doug Lytle observed the new structure appears taller than the 5-story garage.

Former councilwoman Paige Van Wirt explained the BPA pressured council to override HARB’s previous rejection of the parking garage plans. Describing the new building as “a great design,” she opined the building is “too tall.”

West Market Street resident Martin Romeril railed against the height of the proposed building as well as the process involved in razing and rebuilding the parking garage.

No vote was taken on the proposal. Gardner agreed to return with modified plans to address the feedback they received.

In other action, Mike Psitos from Express Sign Outlet, Inc. was granted a certificate of appropriateness for a signage proposal for his client at 446 Main St. The double-sided projecting sign “Twisted & Dipped” measures 12 inches by 24 inches with the company logo centered over “Soft Serve Ice Cream” in white letters on a black background with a white pinstripe. The sign will hang from an existing scroll bracket.

The 2.5-story brick building, built circa 1807, is owned by Renaissance Realty of Bethlehem.

Tiger Hall owner Jennifer Burns, assisted by Matt Alaio from ENDGAME Marketing Solutions, scored a COA for her signage proposal for the 3-story, residential over commercial masonry structure at 518 Main St.

The existing “Tiger Hall” lettering across the sign band is to be replaced with “Healing Hands Massage and Wellness Center,” the name of the business Burns also owns at that address. Approved lighting fixtures include four bronze gooseneck lamps, evenly spaced over the new sign. The applicants were allowed to replace water damaged trim with new trim to match existing, as well as repainting the first-floor façade to match the existing white paint with accent detail in “tavern charcoal” color. The sign lettering is to be bronze on a white background.

Burns said her wellness center has been in business for 28 years. The landmark building was erected circa 1873 and was once home to a men’s clothing store.

Restaurateur Greenberg Lemus and his wife Maria Garcia were successful with their new awning plans for La Cocina del Abuelo, a Mexican eatery set to open in September at 81 W. Broad St. The business name translates to “Grandpa’s Kitchen.” The new awning features a 120-inch by 36-inch black fabric with the colorful business logo at center and a 3-inch valance with “Catering Available” and the phone number in white lettering. The awning is to be installed on existing framework.

The circa 1930s Greek Revival building is owned by Dominic Villani.

Developer Bruce Campbell and his son Cory were approved for their proposal to raze a 1-story, 3-bay circa 1980s garage and replace it with a 2.5-story dwelling with an apartment on each floor. Located at the rear of 241 E. Market St., the new building would be an addition to the 2.5-story residential unit on the property next to it.

Construction materials approved for the structure include GAF Slateline shingles in Antique Slate, Hardie Plank lap siding to match the existing structure, deck, railings with turned balusters, doors and windows to match existing, and fencing constructed of staggered boards to match an existing fence on the site. All painted elements will match, as well.

Homeowners Bruce and Ann Lawrence set a new precedent with their roof replacement proposal for 404 Center St. The residential out building needing the new roof is located at the northeast end of their block-long circa 1880s estate at Wesley and Pine streets (aka 110 Wesley St.). The worn slate is to be replaced with Brava Arendale slate field tile. After examining samples of the synthetic slate, the commissioners, impressed with the product, granted approval.

All voting was unanimous.