ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Downtown Allentown could soon get more affordable housing, with a developer looking to knock down a home and replace it with apartments.
The city’s Historical Architectural Review Board on Monday supported plans submitted by Muse on 7th to demolish a two-story home that’s set back from Seventh Street.
The board recommended that Allentown Zoning Hearing Board approve the developer’s demolition request, part of its plans to build an eight-apartment complex across several lots.
“I don't think there’s really any significant architecture there."HARB member David Huber
Muse on 7th has agreements with the lots’ current owner — Allentown’s Redevelopment Authority — to buy them after the demolition at 321 N. 7th St., according to a review by Allentown employees.
The demolition must be approved by Allentown’s Zoning Hearing Board.
The Redevelopment Authority plans to consolidate that lot with four other properties on North Seventh and North Church streets before the sale.
Those properties have remained vacant since buildings on them were demolished, the city’s review states.
'There's nothing there'
The home developers want to demolish was built about 1910 but “has little historic significance” because of alterations and modifications made since, according to the review.
HARB members on Monday agreed with that review.
“I don't think there’s really any significant architecture there,” David Huber said.
“I would agree also: There’s nothing there,” Joe Franzone said.
Board member Alex Encelewski called the more-than-100-year-old home a “funky little survivor” from an era when many homes were built with deep front yards.
But demolishing it “would not negatively impact the historic character” of the street or neighborhood, the city’s review states.
A historic mansion just south of the proposed demolition recently was renovated to support commercial and office tenants.
That building and others “with more architectural detailing” nearby are more worthy of historic preservation than the home at 321 N. 7th St., HARB members ruled Monday.
