Historical Architecture Review Board Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) of Allentown, Pennsylvania, met on February 17, 2026, to review several applications for work in historic districts. The board considered five regular agenda items and one demolition review. Key actions included approvals, tabling, and advisory comments. The meeting began at 6:00 PM with roll call and approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from June 2, 2025: Approved unanimously. (Motion by Dave, second by Philip)

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made by non-applicants.

Discussion Items

1. 229 North 9th Street – Window Replacement

Applicant Joseph Cologne proposed replacing an existing wood picture window with a vinyl storm window (with furniture-grade wood veneer). Staff recommended denial, citing that vinyl is not an approved material and the proposed window lacked the mutton pattern matching the door transom. The applicant reported difficulty finding contractors to repair the window and expressed willingness to modify the proposal (e.g., aluminum wrap and added muttons). The board tabled the application for one month to allow the applicant to provide detailed evidence that the window cannot be repaired and to explore alternatives such as a fixed wood window with appropriate muttons. The motion to table passed unanimously.

2. 1619 Turner Street – Roof Replacement

Applicant Jay Robinson proposed replacing the existing terracotta tile mansard roof with GAF Timberline HDZ shingles (Patriot Red) due to leaks. Staff recommended denial, noting that terracotta tile is a character-defining feature of the West Park Historic District and that the proposed shingles do not match in material, exposure, thickness, or dimension. The applicant indicated several contractors refused to repair the tile, and replacement tiles were expensive. The board tabled the application for one month to allow the applicant to provide substantiated evidence that the roof cannot be repaired and to explore alternative materials that better match the historic character (e.g., aluminum tile). The motion to table passed unanimously.

3. 1420 Linden Street – Window Replacement (20 windows)

Applicant Romario Elias (owner) and Samuel Mulet (contractor from Home Depot) proposed replacing all 20 windows with vinyl (Simonton 6100 series). Staff recommended denial because some existing windows are wood (with leaded glass/muttons) and should be repaired, and vinyl is not appropriate. The board discussed that only the five front windows facing Linden Street are within HARB’s purview (visible from the public right-of-way). The remaining 15 windows on side and rear facades are outside HARB’s regulatory authority. A motion was made to approve the 15 non-primary windows as presented (secondary facades) and exclude the five front windows from this application. The motion carried 4-1 (Alex dissenting). The applicant must submit a separate application for the front windows.

4. 428-436 North 6th Street – New Construction (8-unit apartment building)

Applicant Samantha Ciati Falcon (architect, representing Allentown Housing Authority) presented plans for a two-story, eight-unit building on a vacant lot. Staff recommended approval, finding the design compatible with the historic district in terms of height, massing, proportions, and materials. The board discussed materials (brick, HardiePlank siding, wood/composite porches, aluminum railings, etc.) and design details. The following conditions were added to the motion to approve:

• All front facade windows must be vertically oriented (double-hung or similar).
• If HardiePlank siding is used on visible facades, it must have a smooth finish (no wood-grain texture).
• Roof shingles must have a straight (slate-line) profile, not a shake pattern. The motion to approve with conditions passed unanimously.

5. 1515 Linden Street (West Park Band Shell) – Door Replacement

Applicant Brian Hafner (City of Allentown Parks) proposed replacing all five single doors with solid wood doors (no glass) due to ongoing vandalism and security issues. Staff recommended denial, noting that original building drawings show a six-pane light configuration and that repair/restoration is preferred. The board acknowledged the unique nature of the band shell but required additional information to evaluate the proposal. The application was tabled for one month to allow the applicant to provide:

• Specific door specifications (design, material, panel configuration).
• Justification for replacing original doors beyond security concerns.
• Evidence that the existing doors cannot be repaired.
• Clarify whether the lower-level door (egress) will be treated differently. The motion to table passed unanimously.

6. 36 South Madison Street – HBDO Demolition Review (Turret Roof Removal)

This was an advisory review (no vote) for a proposal to remove the turret roof at 36 South Madison Street due to leaks. Staff evaluated the property as historically significant (Queen Anne style, retaining original turret) and noted that roof removal would negatively impact the streetscape. The board agreed with staff comments, emphasizing that the turret is a character-defining feature and that demolition by neglect is not acceptable. These comments will be forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved: Consent calendar approved.
• 229 N 9th St: Tabled 1 month (unanimous).
• 1619 Turner St: Tabled 1 month (unanimous).
• 1420 Linden St: Approved for 15 non-primary windows; front windows excluded (4-1 vote).
• 428-436 N 6th St: Approved with conditions (unanimous).
• 1515 Linden St (Band Shell): Tabled 1 month (unanimous).
• 36 S Madison St: Advisory comments submitted, supporting denial of demolition.
• New Business: No additional items.
• Violations Update: No action taken; one case (related to 947 Street) still in process.
• Announcements:
  • HARB received a grant for translation services (Spanish) for documents.
  • Upcoming virtual preservation camp (August 20-21, cost $65 per person) – board members expressed interest.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 PM.