The mansion at 23 North Street was demolished last summer after a lightning strike took out a section of the structure’s side wall. The site may not be vacant for long as property owner First Amherst Development appears to be moving forward with a new build at the site. Ken Riter of HHL Architects is scheduled to appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 29th with plans for a four-story building, presumably to be constructed by First Amherst.
According to the Zoning Board agenda, the new building would contain 38 units. The project needs variances to setbacks in order to proceed along with Planning and Preservation Board approvals.
First Amherst Development purchased the property in 2006 and promptly announced plans for a residential project on the site. The 11,000 sq.ft. mansion and new-build addition were to contain between 35 and 40 apartments. It was envisioned as a follow-up to First Amherst’s pioneering and successful Lofts @ Elk Terminal and Granite Works projects. The mansion was the long-time home of WEBR/WNED-AM and the property is located within the Allentown Historic Preservation District.