Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board Meeting - March 6, 2026

The Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) met on March 6, 2026, to review a door replacement application, provide comments on two demolition proposals under the Historic Building Demolition Control Overlay District, and discuss other business. The meeting was chaired by AJ Me with members David Hewart, Philip Hart, Alex Scholasweek, Rob Hammond, and Patty Shire present, along with consultant Amy Vay.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom from the West Park Civic Association expressed support for the door replacement at 1515 Linden Street as proposed.

Discussion Items

• 1515 Linden Street (West Park Fan Shell Building): Staff presented a proposal to replace five single doors with four mahogany doors and one metal door, replicating original designs. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the original doors be salvaged. The applicant confirmed the doors would be salvaged and restored. The board approved the application with that condition.
• 112-114 North Eighth Street: Staff reviewed the proposed demolition of three structures (two attached two-story buildings and a rear garage) to allow construction of a seven-story, 23-unit apartment building. HARB's role is to comment on the historical and architectural significance of the existing buildings. Members discussed the historical value of the structures, particularly the rear garage on North Rough Wall Street. Member Rob Hammond raised concerns about the contractor's past compliance record, but the applicant (Alex Wright) disputed those claims. The board agreed to add comments emphasizing that the three structures are consistent in form and setback, and that neighboring historically significant buildings (110 and 116 North Eighth Street) must be protected during demolition. The board also recommended that demolition should not proceed until all permits for the new construction are secured.
• 138-142 North Ninth Street: Staff reviewed the proposed demolition of three attached three-story structures (one with Queen Anne/Second Empire influences, two with Eastlake influences) to allow a six-story, 40-unit mixed-use building with retail. Staff noted the buildings' high degree of integrity with original features. Board members expressed strong opposition to the demolition, citing the loss of brownstone, wood cornices, and other original details. Members noted that previous losses on the block make these structures more significant, and that the view from the adjacent Old Allentown Historic District's cemetery makes the rear facade important. The board added comments about the structures' historical significance and the visual impact on the surrounding historic district. The applicant indicated willingness to incorporate historical elements into the new design.
• Other Business:
  • CLG Grant: Staff reported a $25,000 grant application to digitize historic records, with support from the board.
  • Design Guidelines Update: The board will begin reviewing the historic design guidelines chapter by chapter, starting with Chapter 1.
  • 428 North Sixth Street: The applicant (non-profit) faced budget cuts and proposed material changes (e.g., replacing brick with siding on sides/rear). The board advised that the project must be brought back for a new approval if the changes are significant; they did not prescribe specific changes.
  • Violations Update: Staff reported ongoing enforcement at 248 North Ninth Street, including attempts to serve an alternate address after the owner failed to appear in court.

Key Outcomes

• 1515 Linden Street: Approved with the condition that original doors be salvaged.
• 112-114 North Eighth Street: HARB will forward comments to the Zoning Hearing Board stating that the three structures are historically significant, and that demolition should not occur until all permits for the new building are secured and neighboring structures are protected.
• 138-142 North Ninth Street: HARB will forward comments emphasizing the high historical integrity of the buildings, the negative impact of their loss on the streetscape, and the importance of the rear facade given its visibility from the Old Allentown Historic District.
• Other: The CLG grant application was noted; design guidelines review will proceed; the applicant for 428 North Sixth Street is to submit a new application for revised materials; enforcement efforts at 248 North Ninth Street continue.