A proposed 37-story building in Allentown would be “one of the most significant development proposals” in the Lehigh Valley’s history, according to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
The development application from Umran Global Investment proposes constructing a 37-story building with 206 apartments, 2,651 square feet of retail space and 9,953 square feet of office space.
The project at 20 S. Ninth St. is under review by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
“Essentially, this signals a substantial change in density and dynamic of the city, region and even Commonwealth,” a Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review letter says. “This proposal is a bellwether of the direction of development in the Lehigh Valley and is one of the most significant development proposals in the city and region’s history.”
While the height of the building looms large, the length and width of the building will be far more diminutive. The proposed footprint of the building is 5,000 square feet, which is slightly larger than an NBA basketball court.
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review expresses concern that a building that tall will be incompatible with the adjoining neighborhoods.
Allentown City Council member Cecilia “Ce-Ce” Gerlach said Thursday the property is zoned in a business district but the majority of uses in the area are residential. A building of that size is not suitable for the area, she said.
“A skyscraper in a residential neighborhood does not fit,” Gerlach said at the planning commission meeting.
However, Allentown’s zoning laws place no restrictions on a building’s height.
The planning commission reviewed a similar proposal in 2015 that was known as The Landmark Tower.
Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.
John Best is a freelance contributor to lehighvalleylive.com.