Two Allentown developments honored by Urban Land Institute

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The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation said that the Urban Land Institute has recognized two new development projects in downtown Allentown. 

The Da Vinci Science Center and City Center Group’s Downtown West live-work-play neighborhood were both among the institute’s recent Awards for Excellence winners. 

The Lehigh Valley is a leader in urban redevelopment and adaptive reuse, said Karianne Gelinas, vice president of Regional Partnerships & Talent Strategies for the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. 

“The remarkable renaissance of Allentown is occurring because of the innovative thinking of organizations such as Da Vinci Science Center and City Center Group. They are meeting many community needs and positioning the Lehigh Valley for a strong future,” said Gelinas. 

Urban Land Institute said the winning projects represent the highest standards of achievement in the development industry and advance the institute’s mission to shape the future of the built environment for positive impact in communities worldwide. 

“Projects are considered not just for one element, such as design, but for a range of characteristics including leadership in development, sustainability & building performance, market acceptance, and community impact,” said Anne Fadullon, the incoming ULI Philadelphia District Council chair, who is founder & principal at MAKE Advisory Services. 

The LVEDC described Downtown West as an area that includes the newly opened Archer Music Hall and Moxy hotel. 

The area includes new housing, including Cityplace Apartments, Walnut View, 1010 Apartments.,  

There are also new restaurants, including Rosa Blanca and Okatsh, and community space including a pedestrian walkway. 

The neighborhood is being reimagined by developer City Center Group, which has invested more than $850 million in downtown Allentown, with another $537 million in planning and construction. 

ULI said the project “is revitalizing a previously underutilized area into a vibrant hub.” It is addressing community needs by creating housing, renovating business facades, and through a substantial investment in public art, landscaping, and improved streetscapes. 

“The integration of housing, hospitality, entertainment, and public art shows an innovative approach to mixed-use development. The adaptive reuse of the hotel structure into a residential building exemplifies innovative thinking and resourcefulness,” ULI said. 

It described the Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion as more than just a science center, and that it is an instrumental piece of Lehigh Valley’s coalition to build talent for employers. It showcases science-related careers at local businesses and introduces students to jobs involving STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) skills through multiple programs, including the Women in Science & Engineering Initiative.