Historic preservation planned for Klingaman’s

When Klingaman’s building in Tamaqua was purchased last month by PARA Builders LLC in Nazareth, a quick internet search turned up two business sites stating the company dealt with computer software and applications.

On the contrary, says Dr. Ravi Tayi, co-owner of the company with his wife, Praveena Tayi. The company actually specializes in historic preservation and restoration.

Headquartered in Nazareth, the husband and wife team have been working together for five years. “She’s (Praveena), the expert, an architectural and interior designer. I just help with the finances,” Tayi says with a laugh.

The company name is derived from the first initial of each family member’s first name — P for Praveena; A for oldest child Akash, who is headed off to college; R for Ravi; and A for Aneesh, who is attending high school. The company’s motto is “Changing the way you live.”

Dr. Ravi, a general practitioner who serves as chief medical officer for a pharmaceutical company, says the company has also purchased a second building in Tamaqua, 319 Hazle St., which they also plan to restore. Both Tamaqua properties are within the Tamaqua Historic District.

Their oldest building, historically, is a 300-year-old single family home in Millstone, New Jersey. Built in 1720, the two-story Colonial building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently under renovation.

In Tamaqua, the former Klingaman’s building is getting an interior face-lift before work starts on the facade. Dr. Ravi says plans are to redo the entire building, inside and out, and find tenants.

“Our goal, on every building we rehabilitate, is to preserve the historic nature while creating something suitable for present and future use. Once completed, these buildings will look completely historic outside, but have all the modern conveniences inside.”