Proposal for Seven-Story Apartment Building, More Than 100 Units, Next to Walnut Street Garage in Bethlehem Up for Review

Dec. 2, 2025

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Bethlehem will review a proposed seven-story apartment building next to the new Walnut Street Garage on Wednesday.

The city’s Historical Architectural Review Board, an advisory body, will go over the “Ironside Lofts” plan presented by New Jersey-based developer Larken Associates.

The building would occupy the land just west of the new garage, closer to Main Street. Here’s an image of the site with a big block where the apartments would go.

Based on the plans on the city website, the building would have 106 apartments, a mix of one- and two-bedroom units (I count 106, the meeting agenda says 107). There would be retail space on the first floor, and a fitness center and other amenities for residents.

The Walnut Street Garage plan went through a lot of public scrutiny before moving forward. As the Bethlehem Parking Authority promised, it opened before the 2025 holiday shopping season.

The Historical Architectural Review Board, or HARB, will meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Town Hall.

HARB is an advisory body that makes recommendations to City Council on plans in the central Bethlehem historic district.

Agendas are subject to change, so check the city website.

Here’s a link to the agenda, and a cut-and-paste version:

AGENDA
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
Town Hall
10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem PA
The Meeting will be livestreamed for viewing purposes only on:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4HYHr4C6mVbfhRXhWYXaJw
Applications can be viewed at:
https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/calendar-planning-zoning, or in Bethlehem City Hall.

1. 443 Center Street
   The Applicant proposes to construct a 250sf raised bluestone and clay brick patio off the west side of the residence, install a 2ft high retaining wall around patio faced with clay brick and capped with bluestone, install a 64sf bluestone and brick pad off the west side of the property.
   OWNER/APPLICANT: Carlisle and Andrew Krakowski/Plantique
2. 38-44 East Market Street
   The Applicant proposes to construct an elevator and tower addition at the rear (south façade). Applicant proposes to clad the addition with brick veneer with style and color to closely match existing. The addition includes fixed windows facing Milton Street and square scuppers and downspouts.
   OWNER/APPLICANT: Trinity Episcopal Church/Alvin H Butz Inc.
3. 33 Walnut Street (Ironside Loft)
   The Applicant proposes to construct a seven (7) story mixed-use building adjacent to the
   proposed garage on Walnut Street. The building will contain first floor commercial (retail,
   restaurant or personal service) space and 107 multifamily dwellings on the upper floors.
   OWNER/APPLICANT: Bethlehem Parking Authority/Larken Associates