Introduction
The Cantelmi Hardware project in South Bethlehem demonstrates how thoughtful design can modernize a business while respecting its history and supporting the surrounding community. Led by principal architect Gary Lader of 4/4 Architecture, this project turned a tight urban lot into a functional, aesthetic two-story multi-purpose space, making a historic family business more efficient and future-ready.
For Patrick Cantelmi, expanding his business wasn’t just about adding more space, it was about enhancing how the company operated while respecting its deep roots. Founded in the 1920s, Cantelmi Hardware has been a cornerstone of South Bethlehem for generations. Until the recent expansion, the company operated out of a crammed and inefficient space – a far cry from the streamlined, modern facility it occupies today. “We’ve been part of this community for almost 100 years, and the new building has transformed how we run our business,” Cantelmi said.
Transforming the Workspace
Before the warehouse expansion, Cantelmi’s e-commerce operation ran out of the basement of the original store, a shared space that housed inventory for both the store and online orders. The building, a former silk mill built in 1910, was not designed for modern business needs, and this became increasingly apparent as the e-commerce side of the business grew.
“The basement was just so tight,” Cantelmi said. “We had these eight-foot ceilings and narrow hallways. The space was shaped like the letter ‘F,’ so it was tough to move inventory efficiently. We were constantly moving things, only to have to move them again.”
Faced with a tight site, the team prioritized vertical construction, incorporating a cantilevered second floor to maximize floor space. The building’s compact 7,200-square-foot footprint supports streamlined operations with designated inbound and outbound material flow areas, machinery accommodations, and organized inventory storage. The warehouse expansion dramatically improved Cantelmi Hardware’s e-commerce efficiency, replacing a cramped basement workspace with an optimized layout designed for productivity. “Productivity is up, efficiency is up,” Cantelmi said. “We can focus on getting things done instead of figuring out how to navigate the space.”
Sustainability and Adaptability
This project showcases a strong commitment to sustainability. Located within an existing urban neighborhood, the building leverages pre-existing utilities and infrastructure, reducing the environmental impact of new development. The building’s facade blends durable, locally sourced materials with aesthetic considerations. Vertical metal panels echo the rhythm of the original brick masonry, while fiber cement panels add a concrete-like texture. The recessed corner entrance and high first-floor windows maintain walkability while ensuring functionality. A rain screen facade system enhances energy efficiency, contributing to the building’s sustainable design.
The building’s adaptability enhances its value. While currently a single-tenant space, the second floor is designed to accommodate a future tenant, with dedicated egress stairs and a service elevator. High windows on the first floor allow natural light while accommodating pallet storage. Operable windows provide fresh air, creating a healthier, more pleasant workspace. By balancing utility, comfort, and flexibility, the building is primed for diverse future uses, ensuring its longevity and relevance in the community.
Designing for Community
Unlike most warehouses built far from city centers, the Cantelmi e-commerce warehouse remains rooted in South Bethlehem’s walkable, urban environment. At one point, 80 percent of the e-commerce business staff walked to work, a testament to the community-centric location.
“This is one of the few warehouses where staff can walk to work, run errands over lunch, enjoy happy hour at a brewery, and eat dinner at a restaurant – all without needing a car,” Cantelmi said. “That, in addition to other perks, makes a big difference to those who can – and who want to – apply here.” The connection to the local environment is a critical part of the project’s design philosophy.
A Modern Design, a Nod to History
The design of the warehouse expansion reflects South Bethlehem’s industrial character while addressing the challenges of a tight urban site. Vertical metal panels echo the rhythm of the original brick masonry from the Cantelmi retail store, blending past and future. The team selected fiber cement panels for their concrete-like texture, adding a tactile dimension to the design. Building upward on the small lot maximized limited space while preserving walkability and neighborhood aesthetics. The recessed corner entrance, a hallmark of local architecture, adds functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Lader was mindful of the building’s connection to the site’s cultural history. “We wanted the building feel like it was part of Bethlehem’s industrial past but still look forward to the future,” Lader said. Durable, locally sourced materials support this vision. The building’s materiality promotes health and well-being. The metal panels interact with natural light, creating a dynamic sensory experience for employees and passersby alike.
Lessons in Flexibility
The Cantelmi e-commerce warehouse expansion came with its share of challenges. The team’s ability to adapt and learn was key to its success. “The project site – a mix of overgrown land and parking lot – presented opportunities for creativity,” Lader said.
One significant challenge emerged during the demolition phase. SAGE Design-Build’s Construction Superintendent, Jeremy Temos, and his crew were ripping up the parking lot when they made an unexpected discovery. “Whatever buildings were there had been demolished and the debris was buried and paved over,” Temos said. “We didn’t expect to find that much material under the surface. We had to adapt, clear the site, and fill it to keep the project on track.” In total, SAGE removed 14 tri-axel truckloads worth of building materials.
The parcel’s unique shape and urban location dictated design decisions, such as the recessed corner entrance, the decision to build upward with a cantilevered second floor, and the strategic placement of the windows.
Managing the logistics of the construction site also required careful planning, given the site’s dual function as a parking lot. To set up for construction, they temporarily removed 13 parking spots. The team was mindful of the impact this could have on a family business and the community. By the end of the project, they restored nine of the 13 parking spots. This minimized any long-term disruption for patrons and residents.
A Space for the Present, a Legacy for the Future
For Cantelmi Hardware, the warehouse expansion not only solved immediate operational needs but also reinforced its place within the South Bethlehem community. The warehouse allows Cantelmi’s team to store inventory efficiently, providing more reliable service to customers and supporting the local economy.
For Cantelmi, the building represents the continuation of a family legacy and the evolution of his business. “We’ve been here for nearly 100 years, and now, with this building, we’re set for the future,” he says. “It’s a great example of how you can grow while staying connected to our roots.”
For Lader and 4/4 Architecture, the project is a testament to their skill in designing buildings that balance functionality, sustainability, and cultural connection. The Cantelmi warehouse is a successful blend of old and new; a space that honors history, supports present needs, and sets the stage for future growth.
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