The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission unanimously granted another certificate of appropriateness for façade renovation work at 13 - 15 E. Third St. at their Dec. 15 meeting at city hall.

Architect Christine Ussler and her clients, Emmanuel Patricio and Neel Shah received approval for the removal of a window display case to create an entry vestibule for the upper floor apartments and replacing worn and broken sidewalk tiles at the entrance doors at last month’s meeting.

The trio returned with the additional details and tile samples stipulated in the Nov. 17 COA.

This time the applicants received approval for a durable concrete product for the knee wall and the proposed Bethlehem star tile designs for both recessed storefront entryways. Also approved was the installation of two 15-inch diameter star-shaped lighting fixtures to hang from each ceiling more above the tiles.

The COA instructs that cutsheets of the lights and a more detailed rendering of the tile designs be submitted for “administrative review” before proceeding with the project.

While the applicants seek to maintain the existing tin ceiling tiles over the recessed entrances, they were instructed to arrange an on-site meeting with HCC members if the contractor reports that the tin tiles would not survive the renovation process.

Patricio and Shah are engaged in cleaning and rehabbing the circa 1915 adjoining structures that once housed the F. & W. Grand 5 and 10. Historic Officer Jeffrey Long mentioned the buildings may have been designed by iconic South Bethlehem architect A.W. Leh (1848-1918).

Vipul Shah is listed as the owner. Neel Shah is his son and Patricio is Neel’s business partner.

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.