BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pizza one direction and beer another.
The Pizza Joint on Airport Road in Allentown is expanding operations into Bethlehem’s South Side.
It will operate in primarily a takeout format at 325 Broadway — an Italianate-style, three-story, brick masonry commercial and residential building dating to around 1900.
The new pizza spot, operating in a unit formerly home to a Metro by T-Mobile store, will neighbor a local magistrate’s office and the Southside staple Seven Sirens Brewing Co.
Its online menu shows the Allentown location offers more than 80 different pizza choices, as well as chicken, seafood, pasta, hot and cold sandwiches, subs, strombolis and calzones, salads and more.
Setting up shop
Opening for business includes some additional steps regarding the business’ exterior since it’s located within one of the city’s historic districts.
It was that topic that went before the city’s Historic Conservation Commission on Monday.
Applicant Elliot Nolter, of East Spruce LLC, was present and spoke on behalf of building owner Sycamore Hill Farm Development.
Nolter described intentions to demolish and replace the storefront, add a new awning and signage, as well as make ADA upgrades for wheelchair access.
“The Pizza Joint” will operate in primarily a takeout format at 325 Broadway in Bethlehem. The new pizza spot, operating in a unit formerly home to a Metro by T-Mobile store, will neighbor a local magistrate’s office and the Southside staple Seven Sirens Brewing Co.
Commissioners unanimously approved the project, including plans to restore existing brick, put up horizontal wood siding and more as outlined.
Developers still will need to further consult with the city’s engineering office and Zoning Hearing Board for further permits regarding right-of-ways and signage, respectively.
That being said, since HCC is just a recommending body regarding historical structures and their contribution to the community character of Bethlehem, the vote will be passed on to City Council before it’s potentially made official.
Property analysis, further steps
Historic Officer Jeffrey Long said he made his analysis on the property in question based on guidelines from the Secretary of the Interior, including Standard No. 7.
“New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction will not destroy the historic materials features and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old but will be compatible with the historic materials features, size, scale and proportion, as well as massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.”Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission Officer Jeffrey Long
“New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction will not destroy the historic materials features and spatial relationships that characterize the property,” Long read.
“The new work shall be differentiated from the old but will be compatible with the historic materials features, size, scale and proportion, as well as massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.”
The new storefront will have a matching finish with neighboring 327 Broadway and feature a drink rail between the property and adjacent brewery, Nolter said.
Developers plan to restore the existing brick facade, Nolter said, also carefully removing whatever adhesives or other materials are currently stuck on the surface.
If push came to shove, painting the brick could be an option to prevent any damage, he said.
The project was before HCC on June 17 with what were ultimately similar plans as shown on Monday but lacked further detail.
At that time, the commission encouraged the applicant to conduct “select demolition” to see about the overall condition of the brick facade before moving forward.
