ALLENTOWN, PA. – The local housing market is getting a little more breathing room as hundreds of units are coming online in downtown Allentown with the grand opening of ‘The Standard.’
The Standard features shared areas, a courtyard, luxury kitchens, and an in-home washer and dryer.
New to Market Director Tara Anthony says The Standard is the 15th apartment building in downtown Allentown by City Center Residential. It began leasing two months ago.
“We’re just over 15% leased. Bringing this building online brings over 1,800 apartments in downtown Allentown, so we’re happy with that number; we’re really happy with the rate that we’re leasing that,” she said.
The Standard rose on the site of the old Morning Call building. There’s a mural in the common area honoring that shared history.
“So we decided to take down the Morning Call building and put our 15th building here,” Anthony said.
Apartments range from $1,300 for a studio to $1,800 for a two-bedroom, and officials say feedback has been overwhelming.
Allentown has seen a tremendous growth in the number of employees and residents downtown.
We asked Lisa Finkelstein of the non-profit Downtown Allentown Alliance why some people prefer renting over owning their own home.
“I think it provides flexibility in an uncertain time. I think it’s a great place for young people starting out in their careers,” she said.
One-bedroom apartments are going for around $1,500