EASTON, Pa. — Plans to spruce up the southern quadrants of Centre Square got the stamp of approval Monday from Easton’s Historic District Commission.
The commission approved an application from the city and Director of Public Works David Hopkins to install benches, plants and an arch over Lehns Court.
New features will include two 20-feet-long curved benches, two carre benches (square benches surrounding a tree), a 79-inch circular bench, and two 71-inch circular benches.
Those last two benches also will be moved to be moved during festivals to accommodate other elements in Centre Square.
The curved benches will be positioned equidistant from a center point facing the main stage in Centre Square, providing a clear viewpoint for just about everyone.
Hopkins said some of the layout for the southwest quad had changed, with the addition of square benches to match those on the southeast quad.
Also, plans now call for two round planters instead of the original three, and a modification on the design for the benches surrounding the trees that would block the bottom portion from view.
Benches mobile, not damaging
Historic consultant Chris Ussler said the project should avoid any construction that could pose a threat to historic structures, but said the presented setup appears to abide by just about all HDC standards.
“The main concern I would have would be appropriate attachment to the historic buildings on either side of Lehns Court," Ussler said.
"The attachment must avoid damaging existing historic masonry."
Once the city gets final approval for the project, the order will come in about 20 weeks, leading to an installation in March or April 2026.Easton Director of Public Works David Hopkins
Ussler said one part of the arch would connect with the Easton Dollar Savings and Trust Co. building.
Hopkins said the arch would be manufactured in the same style as one on Sitgreaves Street, and that it would be installed with border joints that would not touch the brick of the building itself.
Asked about how the benches could be moved out of the way during festivals and other events, Hopkins said they are manufactured to be easy to shift.
“They come with a forklift base built in, and then we would move them out of the way," he said.
"Winter Village is probably the biggest concern, so we would probably just push them to the side for the village, and then bring them back."
Total costs were estimated at $150,000.
Once the city gets final approval for the project, Hopkins said the order will come in about 20 weeks, leading to an installation in March or April 2026.
