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Moravian College • Preservation Master Plan
trees that line Center Street and E. Fairview
Street.
• Consider replacing missing street trees along
Center Street adjacent to Steel Field in order to
restore a sense of enclosure between the field
and residences.
• Consider extending the line of tall evergreen
shrubs screening the west end of the field to the
north edge of the track. Relocate ornamental
shrubs to pedestrian entrances to enhance
wayfinding.
• Develop a signage and wayfinding plan that
would include enhancement of the visual and
perceptual connection of Steel Field with Hurd
and North Campuses. This plan might include
consistent graphic images, sign types, banners,
or other easily identifiable items.
• Consider grouping signage, lighting, and
utilities in order to reduce visual clutter with
this character area.
Comenius Lawn Character Area
Comenius Hall forms the core of the historic
North Campus. Its imposing east façade, with its
foreground of expansive lawn framed by large,
historic trees, is the predominant image for the
campus. The exterior of Comenius Hall retains
a high level of integrity and the original design,
setting, feeling, and association of the building
and its landscape are still perceptible. Features
associated with materials and workmanship that
detract from the historic character of the façade and
landscape can be easily removed or rehabilitated.
General
Focus rehabilitation treatment within this area on
the preservation, stabilization, and maintenance
of historic spaces, buildings, circulation, view and
vistas, and vegetation features.
Spatial Organization
One of the most important historic features of this
character area is the large open space of Comenius
Lawn:
• Maintain the space from the façades of the
buildings to Main Street. Protect the existing
sloping, bowl-like landform from change
unless absolutely necessary.
• Maintain the sense of enclosure provided by
the groupings of trees on the north and south
ends of the lawn.
• Avoid siting additional features within this
character area, including formal elements and
plazas, ornamental plantings and gardens, and
site furnishings and signage.
• Maintain the unprogrammed, informal open
character that has been an important quality of
this space since the early twentieth century.
Buildings
Retain and maintain the buildings and structures
associated with this character area that are at
least fifty years of age with integrity: Comenius
Hall, Borhek Chapel, and Harvey Library. Refer
to Chapters 8 and 9 for more detailed treatment
recommendations for these buildings.
Circulation Features
The historic semi-circular drive that provides
access to Comenius Hall from Main Street is one
of the character area’s most important features.
It is documented in photographs of Comenius
Hall dating to shortly after its construction. The
following actions are recommended:
• Retain the south arm of the semi-circular drive
leading to the front door of Comenius Hall
• Consider restoring the north arm of the drive
to its original location. Partner with the City
of Bethlehem to develop a safe pedestrian
connection to Main Street and prevent vehicular
access.
• Consider removing existing asphalt and paving
the circular drive in a pervious material that
suggests its original gravel surface from the
early twentieth century (see figure 7-3).
• If the semi-circular driveway is reconfigured
for pedestrian travel, remove all parking signs
in order to reduce clutter.
• Retain the central walkway and the direct
pedestrian connection it provides between
Comenius and Colonial halls.
• Consider restoring the original landing at the
top of the stairs leading down to the central
walkway.
John Milner Associates • October 2009 • Chapter 7 • Treatment Recommendations • 161