WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Following its recent acquisition by a Florida-based real estate investment firm, a prominent shopping plaza in Whitehall Township is getting a new lease on life with a refreshed look and new crop of tenants set to fill large spaces previously occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond, buy buy Baby and Michaels.
Whitehall Plaza, formerly known as Whitehall Mall, earlier this spring was acquired by Miami-based Mishorim Gold Properties, according to Keagan Haflich, Mishorim Gold’s national property manager.
Whitehall Plaza, pictured here in 2025, is located at 2001 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Over the past few years, the more than 400,000-square-foot shopping center, at Grape Street and MacArthur Road, has seen several tenants come and go under previous owner Washington Prime Group.
Recent additions include new locations of specialty hard-surface flooring retailer Floor & Decor (2023), indoor rock climbing gym franchise The Gravity Vault (2025) and convenience store and gas station chain Wawa (2026).
Tenants departing the Whitehall Plaza over the past couple of years include footwear retailer Shoe Carnival, women’s plus-size clothing retailer Lane Bryant and high-growth value retailer Five Below, with the latter relocating to Whitehall’s MacArthur Commons shopping center in February.
Whitehall Plaza is located at 2001 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Now, under Mishorim Gold’s control, Whitehall Plaza is finding new life by filling longstanding vacancies, including large spaces that previously housed retailers Bed Bath & Beyond, buy buy Baby and Michaels, the latter of which moved across Grape Street to the Lehigh Valley Mall in 2020.
More than 100,000 square feet of space is under contract, with off-price retailer Forman Mills set to occupy the former Bed Bath & Beyond space (43,971 square feet); and indoor entertainment facility Lululand Adventure Park set to occupy a newly formed space, totaling more than 53,000 square feet, which previously comprised two separate units – one that was home to buy buy Baby and another that was home to Michaels and later seasonal Spirit Halloween and Spirit Christmas stores.
Additionally, Ziyad Market, offering a wide array of international groceries, is set to occupy a 7,200-square-foot space that most recently housed Five Below.
Whitehall Plaza is located at 2001 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Target opening dates for the new tenants have not yet been finalized, but Forman Mills and Ziyad Market are expected to open at the Whitehall Plaza by the end of the year, Haflich said.
The new Forman Mills store, part of a national chain offering brand-name clothing and other merchandise at a fraction of traditional retail prices, will represent a relocation of an existing Whitehall Forman Mills store that’s continuing to operate nearby at 2150 MacArthur Road, Haflich said.
Forman Mills, known for offering designer and everyday fashions at “ridiculously low prices,” operates 49 stores nationwide, including a new store that opened this week on Cottman Avenue in Philadelphia, according to a news release.
The new location of Lululand, an expansive indoor entertainment facility, will likely take a little longer to complete, Haflich said.
Whitehall Plaza is located at 2001 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Lululand, with more than a half dozen locations open or coming soon in multiple states, features trampoline and foam pit areas, multi-level play structures, ninja courses, aerial gliders, climbing walls, arcade games and more.
“We’re not just another indoor trampoline park; we’re a community hub built on the belief that active play has the power to create magical family memories,” reads a message on Lululand’s website. “Our mission is simple: to provide a fun, safe, and clean environment where children can jump, explore, and grow, while parents enjoy complete peace of mind.”
As specialists in commercial real estate and retail real estate, Mishorim Gold revitalizes shopping centers and underutilized retail properties throughout North America.
The company’s strategic approach leverages smart investment, innovative design and community-focused development to drive strong returns and neighborhood revitalization.
Whitehall Plaza is located at 2001 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, the busineess’ team is passionate about unlocking the value of properties and “transforming aging retail spaces into vibrant community destinations,” according to a business description.
Mark Gold, president of Mishorim Gold, oversees more than 6 million square feet of commercial real estate across North America, and his leadership is defined by an ability to convert distressed shopping centers into thriving hubs.
A notable success was the Jacksonville, Florida-based Regency Court Shopping Center, where Gold increased occupancy from 30% to 85%, injecting new vitality into the local retail environment.
Haflich labels Gold a “real true visionary.”
“[Gold] comes in and just does really big things with amazing ideas,” Haflich said.
“A lot of people and tenants follow him wherever he goes. It’s a pleasure for us to both learn from him and work with him.”
Haflich is relocating to the Whitehall area for at least a year to help spearhead the Whitehall Plaza’s revitalization.
Whitehall Plaza is located at 2001 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Renovations are currently underway on various retail spaces, and upgrades to the shopping center’s façade and indoor portion are set to begin soon, he said.
Mishorim Gold has already tapped top architects and designers to bring a refreshed look to the center, Haflich added.
The overhaul also will include lighting upgrades, new landscaping and improvements to the parking lot.
“I work within a company that will take over a property like this and have it at 100% occupancy pretty darn fast,” Haflich said.
“We do a lot of big things. So, the whole place is going to get a very serious facelift – new paint job for the whole shopping center, and the interior of the mall is going to get a really big facelift as well. We don’t like to waste time. We like to flip things upside down quickly and create really awesome spaces for the community.”
Whitehall Mall opened along Whitehall’s Grape Street in 1966 with more than 50 stores, including then-popular retailers Woolworth and Zollinger’s department store.
Other former prominent tenants include Leh’s, Clover and The Plaza movie theater.
In 2020, the mall also bid farewell to longtime tenants Sears and Old Country Buffet.
About a dozen tenants currently operate at the shopping center, including Kohl’s, Men’s Wearhouse, Comic Masters and Bellisima Nails, among others.
More Lehigh County newsLehigh Valley’s 1st Mr. Bins store, offering Amazon overstock, sets grand opening date
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new store coming soon to Lehigh County promises to offer “the ultimate deal hunt,” complete with “name brands, crazy prices, new drops weekly.”
The first Lehigh Valley location of Mr. Bins, which bills itself as the “biggest Amazon overstock store in PA,” will hold a grand opening at 10 a.m. May 24 at 2300 Lehigh St. in Allentown.
The updated space previously housed a Big Lots store. Full story here.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Mr. Bins will hold a grand opening at 10 a.m. May 24 at 2300 Lehigh St. in Allentown. The space was previously home to a Big Lots store.
Ryan Kneller
Royal Farms convenience store proposed near LVIA
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Bethlehem Planning Commission heard an application Thursday night for a proposed Royal Farms convenience store and gas station near Lehigh Valley International Airport.
The city issued a formal sketch plan review letter detailing recommendations before the proposal moves forward.
“These are a lot of recommendation statements that we make based on good urban design principles,” said Craig Peiffer, assistant director of planning and zoning.
He emphasized that the current “prototypical” design fails to anchor the corner, capture al fresco dining opportunities or properly accommodate pedestrians.
“There’ll be some opportunities for outdoor dining,” said Chuck Fitzpatrick of Bowman Consulting Group, speaking on behalf of the applicant.
He also said a sidewalk extension is planned along Airport Road. Read more here.
A typical rendering of a Royal Farms store.
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SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – An expansive, multi-level facility designed for children to let loose is making moves in Lehigh County.
Star Park Indoor Playground & Party, a multi-level, indoor playground for children, will soon move from its nearly year-old location at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township to a larger, 30,000-square-foot space at the South Mall in Salisbury Township, owner Mustafa Kaya told 69 News on Wednesday.
Star Park will hold its last day of business at the Lehigh Valley on Sunday, May 17, before holding a grand opening at its new South Mall location on June 27, Kaya said. Read more.
A Star Park Indoor Playground & Party facility operates at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Foodies finds’So blessed’: Family-run eatery opening 2nd Lehigh Valley location at former Casa Catrina spot
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A popular eatery serving up breakfast dishes, specialty cheesesteaks, wraps and more is expanding its footprint in Lehigh County.
A second location of The 3W Eatery, specializing in freshly prepared American cuisine, is expected to open in late May at 1905 Brookside Road in Lower Macungie Township, co-owner Michael Wrecsics told 69 News.
Wrecsics and his father, Thomas Wrecsics, and brother, Thomas Wrecsics Jr., established The 3W Eatery in early 2025 at the Slatington Farmers Market in Washington Township, Lehigh County.
The eatery’s name is a nod to the family, with the “W” standing for their last name and the “3” referencing each of the family members involved. Full story here.
A second location of The 3W Eatery is coming soon to 1905 Brookside Road in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
Popular chain sets opening date for 1st Lehigh Valley restaurant at former Ruby Tuesday spot
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A national restaurant chain known for its made-to-order brunch specialties prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients will soon have a presence in the Lehigh Valley.
The first Lehigh Valley location of First Watch, a leading daytime dining concept with more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, is set to open on June 15 at 2102 Emerick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township, according to Mackenzie Garrett, First Watch’s public relations manager.
The property was previously home to the last Lehigh Valley location of Ruby Tuesday, a casual, full-service chain known for its “simple fresh American dining,” which closed in January 2025. Read more here.
The first Lehigh Valley location of First Watch, a leading daytime dining concept with more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, is coming soon to 2102 Emerick Blvd. in Bethlehem Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘Fresh and authentic’: New fast-casual eatery coming soon to former Alibi spot in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new restaurant will soon spice up south Bethlehem’s dining scene.
The Gully Kitchen, offering Indian street food with a modern touch, is expected to open in mid-June at 203 E. Third St., co-owner Tushar Paul told 69 News.
The soon-to-be-updated space previously housed Alibi Bar & Lounge, an upscale bar and lounge, which closed last spring after about a year of operation. Read more.
The Gully Kitchen is coming soon to 203 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Tavern updates‘Same friendliness and high standard’: King Kone owner to revitalize, rebrand local tavern
COPLAY, Pa. — The owner of a popular Lehigh Valley ice cream shop has purchased a Lehigh County tavern with plans to breathe new life into the property over the next couple of months.
Rick Safi, the longtime owner of King Kone ice cream shop in Whitehall Township, has closed on the purchase of the 2nd Street Tavern, at 33 N. 2nd Street in Coplay, according to a news release.
Safi, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, plans to revitalize the property and return it to its roots by rebranding the establishment as The Coplay Cabin. Full story here.
Courtesy of Lehigh Financial Group, LLC
Historic Lehigh County tavern almost ready to reopen with new name, look, menu updates
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – New owners are breathing new life into a scenic, early 19th century tavern, set to reopen soon in Lehigh County.
Ye Olde Spring Valley Tavern, a full-service restaurant and bar known for utilizing fresh ingredients such as trout from its spring-fed pond, was sold to new owners last summer and is expected to reopen next month as Spring Valley Tavern at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township, according to Richard Islam, who’s operating the tavern with his family.
The tavern closed last August under previous owners Donna and Warren Walters, and Islam and his family have been implementing interior and exterior renovations over the past several months in preparation for its reopening. Read more here.
Spring Valley Tavern, reopening soon, is located at 1355 Station Ave. in Upper Saucon Township.
Ryan Kneller
Businesses bouncing backBeloved Lehigh Valley plant and produce market finds new life under new owner
L. NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – After a year-long hiatus, a decades-old spot for seasonal flowers, herbs, produce and more is blooming once again in Northampton County.
Joe’s Fruit Market and More, a decades-old market offering annual and perennial flowers, vegetables and other plants along with local produce, honey and other goods, held a soft reopening on May 2 at 229 Nazareth Pike in Lower Nazareth Township.
The decades-old business last operated at the site in late 2024, prior to original owner-operator Joseph DeFrancisco’s death in March 2025.
Troy Faust, of Lower Nazareth, purchased the property earlier this year and has breathed new life into the market, with new roofing, wall paint and other updates. He’s continuing to run Joe’s Fruit Market with a similar mix of plants, produce and other merchandise. Read more.
Joe’s Fruit Market and More operates at 229 Nazareth Pike in Lower Nazareth Township.
Ryan Kneller
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Fiamma Italian Grill, a full-service restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine, in early January announced its temporary closure at 2118 Schoenersville Road in Hanover Township, Northampton County, due to damage from a broken water pipe.
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Repairs are underway at Fiamma Italian Grill on Schoenersville Road in Hanover Township, Northampton County following damage from a broken water pipe over the winter.
Ryan Kneller
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The facility’s forthcoming location – less than a half mile south of its current spot – will occupy a renovated space that previously housed a portion of a former Bon-Ton department store, which closed in 2018, at the Richland Plaza. Read more here.
Relentless Iron is moving to a portion of a former Bon-Ton department store, which closed in 2018, at the Richland Plaza in Richland Township. The fitness facility will operate at the southeast corner of the former Bon-Ton building.
Burlington nearing completion of latest regional location, featuring upgraded store experience
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A new location of Burlington, a national off-price retailer offering low prices on brand name merchandise for the entire family and home, is set to open later this spring at 654 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township, Bucks County, according to a news release.
A specific opening date will be announced at a late time.
The new Quakertown area location will occupy a Richland Marketplace space that previously housed a Staples store, which closed in September. Read more.
A new Burlington store is coming soon to 654 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township.
Ryan Kneller
New escape room, with multiple immersive experiences, sets grand opening in Quakertown
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Clockwork Escapes, an immersive escape room facility with multiple experiences, will hold its grand opening weekend on June 6 and 7 at 238 S. West End Blvd. in Quakertown.
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The new facility will occupy a soon-to-be updated space that previously housed a taekwondo studio in the Country Square shopping center. Full story here.
Clockwork Escapes