People First to move headquarters to downtown Allentown

People First Federal Credit Union, which currently has its headquarters on Downyflake Lane in South Allentown, is moving to downtown Allentown.

The credit union, which began as the credit union for Mack Trucks and has been serving the Lehigh Valley for more than 70 years, is moving its corporate headquarters to Five City Center at 740 Hamilton Street.

The credit union will retain its branch location on Downyflake Lane with teller and lending services as well as the drive-through and ATM services.  The branch will be renovated and upgraded.

In a press release, People First said it had been experiencing significant growth recently, including adding membership in Carbon County and Warren County, New Jersey and needed a new office for the approximately 90 employees working in its headquarters.

The credit union will be located in a 24,801-square-foot space on the third floor of the Class A office building.

In addition to moving its headquarters, People First will open a new branch in downtown Allentown at 26 N. 6^th street directly across from Miller Symphony Hall. This will be People First’s eighth branch location in the Lehigh Valley.

Howard Meller, the credit union’s president, said People First has been becoming more active in the downtown, including becoming the first financial institution to provide financing to students in City Center Investment Corporation’s Real Estate Lab, which teaches downtown Allentown residents how to invest in real estate and manage properties.

People First expects to make the move in November.