ALLENTOWN, Pa. — William Heydt, a two-term Republican mayor who led the city for much of the 1990s, has died, city officials confirmed Monday afternoon.
Heydt pushed efforts to revitalize the city during a difficult era in city history.
Within three months of taking office in 1994, Corporate Plaza, the city's newest office building, collapsed because of sinkholes beneath the structure.
Months after that, a construction crew ruptured a gas line, causing explosions at Gross Towers that killed one person and injured 80 others.
Under Heydt's watch, the city took down the canopies that made the Hamilton Mall and returned it to a more common streetscape.
“His leadership helped make Allentown the beating heart of the Lehigh Valley, and his commitment to innovation and compassion sets a standard for every mayor who followed him."Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk
Heydt also led the city's purchase the former Hess's flagship department store; it was eventually converted into the Plaza at PPL Center.
He spearheaded the return of professional baseball to Allentown by helping lure the Allentown Ambassadors to play in the city's Bicentennial Park.
The team lasted only a couple of years, but opened the door for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs entrance into the city.
He also started the Lights in the Parkway. The Morning Call newspaper reported at the time that some critics initially considered the display gaudy, but the Christmas tradition has become a beloved part of the holiday season in the Lehigh Valley.
'Sets a standard for every mayor'
Prior to his election, Heydt ran Heydt Insurance Agency. Afterward, he established the Heydt Family Fund, which supports causes throughout the Lehigh Valley.
His survivors include his wife Mary Ann.
Heydt succeeded longtime Mayor Joe Dadonna in the 1993 election, breaking 12 years of Democratic control in the mayor's office.
Since Heydt left office in 2002, no Republican has led city government.
“I am deeply grateful to Mayor Heydt for his many years of service to the City of Allentown,” Mayor Matt Tuerk said in a prepared statement.
“His leadership helped make Allentown the beating heart of the Lehigh Valley, and his commitment to innovation and compassion sets a standard for every mayor who followed him.
"My thoughts are with his widow Mary Ann and his loved ones during this time.”
This is a breaking news story.
Editor's note: This story originally reported Heydt defeated Dadonna. Heydt succeeded Dadonna, who did not seek re-election in 1993. We regret the error.
