BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Will the seven-story, mixed-use building proposed at West Walnut Street in the city's Historic District be built?
Or will it be history?
A two-hour session before the Bethlehem Historical Architectural Review Board on Wednesday night brought no answer.
At issue is the height of the building, which would tower above many others in the historic district and affect its skyline.
The rear of the building would face the historic district.
The property is currently zoned within the Central Business District and High Density Residential.
Following presentations by representatives of Larken Associates, a New Jersey real estate developer, questions from the HARB board members and public comments, no vote was taken on the proposal.
Larken Chief Executive Officer David Gardner was given approval by the board to return at an undetermined date to further pitch the project after possible changes.
Should Larken make its final presentation at that time, the board would make its recommendation to City Council whether to approve the project.
“We’ve heard a lot here [from the board] and from the public,” Gardner said. “I don’t know if we can lose one of the floors.”
Seven floors, 108 units
The building would be constructed adjacent to the planned parking garage on West Walnut Street.
Plans show the building would contain first-floor commercial (retail, restaurant or personal service) space.
The upper floors would have 108 residential units — 60 one-bedroom and 48 two-bedroom apartments.
"It's a gorgeous building, no doubt. It's just too tall."Diana Hodgson, HARB board member
The ground floor would provide for a boutique hotel-style lobby, with a concierge, private rooms and event space for parties.
Outdoor seasonal dining is planned for one end of the property.
The property is owned by Bethlehem Parking Authority.
“I’m concerned about the height,” HARB Chairwoman Connie Postupak said. “It seems it’s pushing the envelope a bit.”
Stewart A. Johnson, of Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, disputed that notion.
“I don’t think we are,” Johnson said. The building "can go to 150 feet. It conforms with the city’s zoning code.”
Renderings show the building would have a molded brick facade that reflects an old world brick look, Johnson said.
“And the design of the building conforms with the goals and objectives of the zone,” he said.
'It's just too tall'
Board member Diana Hodgson did not dispute the attractiveness of the building.
“It’s a gorgeous building, no doubt,” she said. “It’s just too tall.”
Johnson described photographs on a slide presentation that showed the building height in close comparison to surrounding buildings.
“But this building will be in the Historic District,” board member Rodman Young countered. “The other buildings you’re comparing it to in height are outside the Historic District.”
Among the most fervent opponents of the project was Bruce Haines, managing partner of Historic Hotel Bethlehem, who addressed the board and called the proposed building “almost disrespectful to us on Main Street.”
“I believe all of you, as Historic Review Board people, that I encourage you to stay the course,” Haines said. “Don’t try to cave in and say [you’ll approve it] just because the city council overrode you.
“Your job in my mind is to say, is this appropriate for our Historic District. This is one of the best, most recognized Historic Districts in the United States.
“I hope all of you will stand tall by what your standards are and what you’re here for.”
