- Blackstone Structures plans to put 69 apartments into a new complex in the 900 block of West Hamilton Street
- The project includes the demolition of Gen. Harry Trexler’s longtime home, which has since been changed numerous times and lost its historic value, officials have said
- The developer has gone through a series of zoning and planning approval meetings
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A developer will continue with his plans for a downtown apartment complex after once again earning Allentown Zoning Hearing Board's approval.
Blackstone Structures' Gary Newman is eyeing a 69-unit mixed-use building where two structures now stand in the 900 block of West Hamilton.
Zoners in July gave Newman their blessing to knock down the structure at 926 W. Hamilton, which Allentown magnate Gen. Harry Trexler called home for 30 years.
City officials approved the demolition after agreeing “numerous insensitive alterations” to the building stripped it of any historic value.
“I like the design, the retention of an existing part of the city fabric — the downtown fabric."Alan Salinger, Zoning Hearing Board member
The developer plans to replace the once-historic property with a five-story glass building that showcases the historic structure to its west.
Newman returned Monday night to the zoners, who approved his adaptive reuse application. That lets him convert the former commercial building at 930 W. Hamilton St. into apartments, with retail space on the ground floor.
Board members said they had little choice but to approve the adaptive reuse, as the developer's plans comply with all of the added regulations that come with that zoning carveout.
“It was really one of the simpler [cases] … even though it’s a big project,” board Chairman Robert Knauer said.
“It's a use that not only we should, but need to, approve,” member Scott Unger said.
Board member Alan Salinger said he thought Blackstone detailed a “thoughtful project” when the developer first laid out its plans this summer.
“I like the design, the retention of an existing part of the city fabric — the downtown fabric,” Salinger said. “I like the project even more now.”
But Salinger questioned the developer’s plans to name the complex “Edison Lofts,” seeming to suggest a tribute to Trexler might be better. Trexler, who died in 1933, was a businessman and philanthropist and one of the founders of what would become PPL.
Newman said the complex is among several planned for the 900 block of West Hamilton Street, with all named before he learned of Trexler’s history at the property.
“It wasn’t meant to offend,” he said.
Second project in the works
Blackstone Structures also is working toward final approval for its Edison Lofts West development at 960-966 W. Hamilton St.
The developer plans a 12-story structure, with the first two floors of the building to be used for educational purposes and almost 200 apartments spread across the top nine floors.
A rooftop restaurant also is part of that project.
Zoners last month approved Blackstone’s request to demolish three buildings to make way for the complex.
Demolition is slated to start in January, and residents could start to move in during the summer 2025, Newman has said.
