ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A key stretch of the downtown area could soon be in for a major overhaul.
The Allentown Parking Authority, state Sen. Nick Miller , D-Lehigh/Northampton, and the City of Allentown have opened a request for proposals for the redevelopment of the 100 block of North Seventh Street — an effort they say is designed to align infrastructure investment, business innovation and civic leadership.
“This site has long been a challenge for the community, and today we’re moving decisively to change that,” Sen. Miller said in a news release.
“With the RFP now open, we’re taking a step toward turning a block that currently generates multiple police calls per day into a vibrant destination that reflects the momentum of our downtown.
“I’m confident this public-private partnership will draw proposals that strengthen the Seventh Street corridor and deliver long-lasting benefits for Allentown residents.”
An online dashboard maintained by the Allentown Police Department lists hundreds of incidents in the area this year, including many listed simply as a "disturbance" — usually those that disrupt public order and peace.
Mayor Matt Tuerk said in the release the corner plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of the city.
"Seventh and Linden sets the tone for visitors to Allentown's vibrant downtown, and we want to make sure that they have the best possible impression," he said.
Parking authority Chairman Theodore J. Zeller said the collaboration reflects how multiple entities can successfully work toward a shared goal.
“This is an example of what a functioning government and community look like,” he said. “This project is a collaboration among the City, its largest independent authority, regional leader City Center Group, and national retailer 7-Eleven.”
Project details
The project site sits along North Seventh Street/Route 145, and the redevelopment area includes both vacant land and land with active uses, including the 7-Eleven.
While the retailer is expected to participate in the project, it is open to layout changes or potentially relocating to another nearby retail space, which could free up more room for development, according to the release.
As a result, proposals should include concepts that both incorporate 7-Eleven as a tenant and exclude it, the release said.
Developers will be required to construct parking infrastructure needed for the project’s uses and dedicate it back to the Allentown Parking Authority.
A busy time for Downtown Allentown
Seventh and Linden is one part of the city that ultimately could be targeted for traffic conversions going forward, listed among the city’s five “high-injury corridors,” where almost half of all pedestrian crashes with serious injuries have occurred.
City Council last month approved an application seeking $200,000 in state funding to determine the viability of converting some one-way traffic corridors into two-way streets, including that area.
A Center Square redesign also is underway at nearby Seventh and Hamilton streets, with plans for that project extending plazas on the northeast and southeast corners to create more space for gathering and events.
Submissions, deadlines for proposals
Questions must be submitted in writing to ryoung@allentownparking.com by 4 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2026. Responses will be issued as an addendum to all potential bidders.
Sealed proposals, including 10 bound copies and one digital copy, are due by 4 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026, at:
ATTN: Richard A. Young, P.E., Project Manager The Allentown Parking Authority 603 W. Linden St., Allentown, PA 18101
All submissions must be clearly labeled “APA/RFP 100 Block N 7th St.”
For more information, visit allentownparking.com/about/bids-and-proposals.
