Balancing Historical Heritage with Modern Mixed-Use

Peron Development seized the opportunity to revitalize underutilized parcels in Bethlehem, PA, by creating a dynamic mixed-use community hub.

Taylor Flats is a five-story, 58,000-square-foot development that seamlessly integrates modern residential and retail spaces with the historic character of the city’s South Side Historic District. Featuring 44 one- and two-bedroom apartments above ground-floor retail, the building’s design incorporates a brick facade and historically inspired architectural details that complement the streetscape along the key corridor of East Third Street.

Built on a former surface parking lot, Taylor Flats introduces vibrant amenities like a rooftop terrace, a fifth-floor common area, and an outdoor courtyard, fostering community connections while enhancing the local commercial landscape.

See Related: CREATING SENSE OF PLACE

Addressing the site’s unique challenges—including its location across multiple parcels and fronting three public streets—required innovative land use strategies and close collaboration with city agencies. With Bohler’s support, the project honors the district’s architectural heritage while meeting the demands of a modern, mixed-use development.

Enhancing Site Circulation

Taylor Flats incorporates innovative traffic and land use strategies to address the challenges posed by its location. Bohler collaborated closely with the Bethlehem Planning Commission to reconfigure a nearby street from two-way to one-way traffic. This adjustment significantly improved traffic flow, enhanced pedestrian safety, and created additional on-street parking, all of which contribute to the neighborhood’s accessibility and functionality.

Honoring History Through Thoughtful Design

Taylor Flats perfectly balances modern living and historical preservation, seamlessly integrating contemporary functionality with the South Side Historic District’s architectural heritage. Thoughtfully designed by USA Architects, the building incorporates a brick facade and carefully selected materials that pay tribute to Bethlehem’s rich history, preserving the charm and character of the neighborhood.

See Related: unlocking the potential for ADAPTIVE REUSE

Bohler’s planning and landscape architecture team enhanced the streetscape with period-appropriate landscaping, lighting, and materials. These thoughtful design choices not only integrate the development into the historic fabric of East Third Street but also create a visually cohesive and pedestrian-friendly environment that supports the district’s urban vibrancy.

Fostering Community Connections and Sustainability

Taylor Flats enhances the South Side Historic District by creating spaces that foster community engagement and elevate the quality of urban living. Unlike many developments in historic districts, which are often constrained by strict design standards, this project incorporates modern amenities like a rooftop terrace and an outdoor courtyard. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage social interaction, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and connect residents to the neighborhood’s vibrant cultural fabric.

The development also prioritizes sustainability and urban accessibility. The inclusion of bicycle parking for 20 bikes, proximity to LANTA public transit routes, and a walkable design promote eco-friendly commuting options, reducing the area’s carbon footprint.

Additionally, the green spaces and outdoor features not only enhance air quality and mitigate the heat island effect but also create a healthier, more enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike. Together, these elements contribute to a dynamic and connected community within Bethlehem’s historic core.

Revitalizing Through Adaptive Reuse

Taylor Flats exemplifies the transformative potential of adaptive reuse, breathing new life into underutilized land in Bethlehem’s South Side Historic District. By converting a vacant surface parking lot and adjacent parcels into a vibrant mixed-use community, the project minimizes urban sprawl and capitalizes on existing infrastructure. This strategic approach not only revitalizes a neglected area but also fosters economic growth, aligning with Bethlehem’s broader goals for sustainable urban development.

By reducing impervious surfaces and reimagining the site’s potential, Bohler helped Peron develop a project that advances Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan objectives and serves as a model for sustainable, community-focused redevelopment in historic urban settings.

Taylor Flats is a 2024 Lehigh Valley Business Top Projects Honoree.