BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — The nearly 3,800-square-foot ground level of the Archibald Johnston Mansion is in for $2.5 million in improvements.
And with an approval from Bethlehem Township commissioners on Monday, $71,500 worth of civil engineering services will help the historic home of Bethlehem’s first mayor later get to that point.
Commissioner Matthew Deckman was absent.
The work will include designing a parking lot layout, ADA and emergency services access, a new well and septic system and completing a topographic survey.
“In order to occupy the building, we need to have a fire department access road and some form of dealing with sewage."Bethlehem Township Commissioner Vice President John Gallagher
“In order to occupy the building, we need to have a fire department access road and some form of dealing with sewage,” Commissioners Vice President John Gallagher said.
“The architect’s civil engineering consultant has submitted a proposal to do both the access road and the septic system, in lieu of bringing a sewer line all the way in from Christian Spring Road.”
Commissioner Michael Hudak said, “We need the work; it needs to be done.”
Reuther+Bowen firm is slated to complete the engineering work for the Adam Colonial-style mansion at 3811 Christian Spring Road.
SCF Architecture of Center Valley is handling the design of the interior improvements.
Coming along
With $2 million now in hand from fundraising, The Archie Project expects to spend about $2.5 million in this initial stage of the renovations, according to the nonprofit’s spokeswoman, Lucia Leão.
The group’s mission is to put together the funds needed to restore and reimagine the inside of the home to offer the public a “diverse and inclusive community engagement center.”
“We need fundraising for $500,000 in the short term and keep working for the second floor in the future."The Archie Project spokesperson Lucia Leão
“We need fundraising for $500,000 in the short term and keep working for the second floor in the future,” Leão said.
Among the many nooks and crannies of the first floor is a sun porch, alcove and reception hall.
Next for The Archie Project: Even more fundraising efforts later in the summer, Leão said.
Project members said donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 3405, 3232 Easton Ave., Bethlehem 18020. An online option is available through the nonprofit’s website.
After finishing his one and only term as Bethlehem’s mayor from 1918-1921, Johnston and his family moved out to the township in 1923.
Among other achievements during his days as mayor and community notable, Johnston was well known for leading the efforts in combining the three boroughs of Bethlehem, South Bethlehem and Northampton Heights into the city we know today.
Part of that historic move was the development of the Hill-to-Hill Bridge that crossed the Lehigh River and joined the three areas.
His three-floor, 6,000-square-foot home with 22 rooms lies within Housenick Park, a passive recreational space featuring the 55-acre Janet Johnston Housenick and William D. Housenick Memorial Park.
The passive park space and home are alongside the 36-acre Archibald Johnston Conservation Area of Northampton County in Bethlehem Township.
