ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Allentown Planning Commission granted preliminary/final land development approval for an apartment complex Tuesday afternoon at city hall.

The complex – known as The Vault Residences – calls for the construction of a “modern design” seven-story 40-unit facility with 2,075-square-feet of retail space at 138 N. Ninth Street. Parking for the facility has been secured at the 940 Linden Deck. Three buildings currently on site are proposed to be demolished. This approval has yet to be acquired and is not under the review of the planning commission.

Chairman Christian Brown said the developer “should be prepared to work” for the demolition approval.

Another planner agreed with Brown’s demolition request assessment, which will be reviewed by the city’s Historical Architecture Review Board.

“They’re (HARB) going to fight for these,” Planner Jeff Glazier predicted. “…Good luck.”

The building’s ground floor will have retail spaces and various second floor amenities. The structure will feature one-bedroom and studios. Some of the apartments will have terraces.

Glazier said he was concerned about garbage truck access unless the applicant secured an agreement with Resurrected Life Church.

Apartment Building

The commission tabled a preliminary/final land development plan for an apartment building.

The facility, known as AW Living, calls for the construction of a seven-story, 23-unit studio apartment building at 112-114 N. Eighth St. The applicant proposes to demolish three buildings on two lots as part of the project, which the city is opposed. The applicant, Kimberly Tiburzi and Remington & Vernick Engineers, has yet to secure zoning approval for the proposed demolition.

The applicant has secured parking spaces at city parking facilities and agreed Tuesday afternoon to secure a private trash hauler.

The planning commission tabled the plan but offered their verbal support for it pending the zoning approval.

Extension Request

Planners granted a one-year extension for a proposed apartment complex.

The proposal, known as Central Park Apartments, calls for the construction of 12 apartment buildings totaling 126 units at 605-665 Wahneta Street. Planners approved developer Joseph Colasuonno’s project initially in June 2021 and granted him a two-year extension in February 2024.