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 and constructed by SAGE DesignBuild, 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 cramped and inefficient space – a far cry from the streamlined, modern of this community for almost 100 years, and the new building has transformed how we run our business,” Cantelmi said.
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. Transforming this underutilized lot into a functional space exemplifies sustainable land use…