Allentown is seeking proposals from real estate developers to transform the block between 7th and Linden streets downtown.
A group of property owners in the 100 block of North 7th Street, including the Allentown Parking Authority, 7-Eleven Inc. and City Center, issued a joint request for proposals from real estate developers for a “major mixed-use redevelopment project.”
The land is occupied by a 7-Eleven convenience store, but some parcels are vacant. It is located directly next to the PPL Center arena downtown, a popular venue that hosts concerts, Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey games and other performances.
“This site has long been a challenge for the community, and today we’re moving decisively to change that,” state Sen. Nick Miller, who represents the Allentown area, said in a news release.
Prospective developers must incorporate parking infrastructure into the development, per an agreement with the parking authority that currently owns some of the land. Developers also are asked to deliver alternative proposals, one that would maintain the 7-Eleven store on site and one that would not.
Developer proposals must be submitted to the Allentown Parking Authority by Feb. 27, 2026.
Reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at liweber@mcall.com.