BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Township commissioners on Monday unanimously agreed to a deal that secures a required match for half of a $1 million state grant for interior renovations at the Archibald Johnston Mansion.
In support of the historic estate of Bethlehem’s first mayor, located along the city’s border with the township, the Janet Johnston Housenick and William D. Housenick Memorial Foundation pledged $500,000 toward the work.
It will “restore the interior to original appearance, design and detail,” and make the mansion into a proper public space, according to the agreement.
“The state just wants to make sure that by May we have half the match ready to go; then by the time the grant’s ready to be dispersed, we have to have the other end."Bethlehem Township solicitor James Broughal
The work is supported by a $1 million reimbursement grant through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
The program supports “the design acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.”
“The state just wants to make sure that by May we have half the match ready to go," township solicitor James Broughal said of the agreement.
"Then by the time the grant’s ready to be dispersed, we have to have the other end.”
According to the deal, the other half of the pledge “shall be subject to subsequent approval by the HMF and either written agreement of the parties or by amendment to this Agreement.”
A public, collaborative space
The Archie Project, a local nonprofit group planning the Johnston mansion’s restoration, has raised funds to support the renovations — estimated to include up to $2.5 million worth of plumbing, electrical, HVAC and paint.
A restoration and reimagining of the inside of the Adam Colonial-style mansion at 3811 Christian Spring Hill Road would offer the public a “diverse and inclusive community engagement center.”
There also would be a special collaborative space on the first floor and surrounding outdoor amenities, project officials have said.
Archie Project spokesperson Lucia Leão on Tuesday said project construction plans are being prepared now, but it's not yet time to take bids for the work.
In the meantime, project members will be fundraising locally, she said.
Back in January, Leão said the mansion, following the renovations, will be open to the public for workshops, business meetings, use by nonprofits and the like.
She said the mansion, at that point, had been open to the public for some scheduled tours, but with limitations considering the building’s condition.
The 22-room, 6,000-square-foot home 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.
