In a 4-1 vote, the Historic and Architectural Review Board granted a certificate of appropriateness for revisions to the Ironside Lofts project at their Feb. 4 meeting held at city hall’s Rotunda.

Larken Associates CEO David Gardner and architect Stuart Johnson returned again with design tweaks that addressed massing concerns over the proposed seven-story mixed-use building at 33 W. Walnut St. expressed at a previous meeting.

The new construction is planned for Block 14 adjacent to the controversial Walnut Street Garage. The building is to contain first floor commercial (retail, restaurant or personal service) space and 107 multifamily dwellings on the upper floors. Proposed residential units include 56 one-bedroom and 51 two-bedroom apartments.

Johnson explained how they have incorporated board and public feedback by stepping back the sixth floor by seven feet from the west façade. The seventh floor had already been stepped back to reduce visibility from the street level. The revised design for the sixth floor provides space for two screened apartment terraces.

While the first floor retail space was reduced from 3,900 square feet to 2,900 square feet, the building’s footprint remains the same, as well as its 86-foot height. When they asked about gutters and downspouts, the commissioners were informed that an internal system will channel rainwater directly to the sewer.

The COA stipulates the applicants adhere to the color palette and finish materials that were previously approved at the March 2025 meeting and that cut sheets of exterior lighting fixtures must be provided for administrative approval. Any potential retail signage would need to come before HARB for review.

“It’s a beautiful building,” remarked Connie Postupack. Other board members complimented the overall design and expressed gratitude that Gardner and Johnson were so willing to work with them.

Diana Hodgson was the dissenting vote on the property owned by the Bethlehem Parking Authority.

A roof replacement proposal for the Central Moravian Church at 400 Main St. was unanimously granted. Representing the iconic house of worship were Church Facilities Administrator Tom Tenges and architect Sal Verrastro from Spillman Farmer, with some assistance from Rev. Janel Rice from the sidelines. After explaining the existing slate shingles are worn and beyond their lifespan, the applicants were approved to match them in-kind with a more durable slate product.

Also approved was the in-kind replacement of existing copper gutters and downspouts while increasing the size to match industry standard gutter sizes and replacing all the snow guards, so they match. Four flat eyebrow roofs are to be replaced with new metal roofing to match the original roofing, as well as replacing the wood siding at the base of the belfry from the level of the clock down to the roof line.

Built from 1803-1806, the Central Moravian Church is considered by board members as the centerpiece of Bethlehem’s recently-designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Heather Rossi from French Gardens LLC. scored a COA for her client at 72 E. Market St. for a wood pergola measuring 14 feet by 16 feet by 9 feet high with a stone gas-fired fireplace with bluestone shelf, partially tucked underneath it. The stone chimney measures 11.5 feet high and will have a bluestone cap.

The pergola is to be painted a “brownish gray” to match the color of the trim on the house.

The 2.5-story stucco residence, built circa 1860, is owned by Lori Young.

Recently-elected Chairman Joe McGavin officiated.

The Historic and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for city council to vote on it before proceeding. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.