Preliminary plans to restore the historic Johnston Mansion were reviewed at the Bethlehem Township Commissioners meeting on June 24.
The 17 room Georgian Mansion is adjacent to Camel's Hump Farm and to the 45 acres of land purchased by the Natural Lands Trust and managed by the Friend of Johnston, who also owns the 3.4 acre parcel that is now Camel's Hump Farm. The 55 acres and the mansion were donated to the township by the estate of William D. and Janet Housenick.
Three proposals were developed by the architectural firm of Spillman Farmer. One of the founders of the firm, Curtis Lovelance designed the mansion and it has special importance to the firm as well as Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.
The plans range is scope and costs from$263,000 to $767,000. No decisions were expected to be made at the meeting, but everyone involved with the Friends of Johnston is encouraged by this development and discussion.