Board backs scaled-down, ‘super classy’ project in Center Square Allentown

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A developer soon could get started on its project to reinvigorate a long-vacant property in the heart of downtown Allentown.

The city Planning commissioners on Tuesday unanimously backed City Center’s plans to partially demolish and add a fourth floor to the former Merchants National Bank at Seventh and Hamilton streets.

Zoning officials signed off on the partial demolition last week.

The developer got approval five years ago for its initial plans to build a 250-foot, 16-story “premier office tower” with the old bank at its base.

But the COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the office-space market and forced a reduction, City Center executive Robert DiLorenzo has said.

The developer now plans to lease the bottom floor to a restaurant and retail businesses, while offices would take up much of the rest of the 87,000-square-foot building.

City Center is taking a risk by moving forward on the project without an anchor office tenant, but its team said it is confident it can “backfill” the building once it’s ready.

'A really classy project'

Planning commission members were happy with the scaled-back plans presented Tuesday by City Center’s planning and construction director.

Craig Beavers said the “aesthetically pleasing” plans will be “a fantastic redevelopment of this site.”

He asked DiLorenzo to consider expanding an outdoor plaza, saying that would put “sprinkles on top” of the plans.

“Hopefully there's a handful of sprinkles already,” DiLorenzo said, jokingly.

Christian Brown, who chairs the commission, said he would have preferred a bigger building in Allentown’s Center Square but understood the “market-driven” downsizing.

“I think it’s an attractive and creative revision,” Brown said.

“This is a really classy project. It’s really super classy-looking,” Brown said, though he encouraged the developer to do something “a little bit more funky and creative” to help attract and retain tenants.

Board member Erich Hornung also voiced disappointment that the building would only stand four stories tall.

But he said a project to redesign the intersection at Seventh and Hamilton streets could pair well with the new office building.

“As the Center Square is activated … it will be a real bright and airy and sun-soaked space,” he said.

He also credited the developer for plans to build a “green roof” that could improve air quality and reduce the heat-island effect in downtown Allentown.

Board member Kelli Holzman said she much prefers the new project to the old one.

“I love this plan; I think it’s a beautiful plan,” she said.

City Center hopes to start demolition in August and finish the $33 million Class A office building by January 2027.