2025 Year in Review
Targeted, impactful investment in both the public and private realms continued throughout 2025 in Allentown’s Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ).
To date, the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority (ANIZDA) has committed over $27 million to improve public spaces. The projects, located on public property or within the public right-of-way, are funded through ANIZDA’s Public Improvement Investment Program. These capital improvements contribute to creating a unique sense of place while enhancing connectivity and attracting additional investment to Allentown.
The year saw the completion of $830,000 in streetscape improvements at 8th and Linden Streets including investment in new sidewalks, curbs, trees, trash receptacles, and lighting. One block away at 7th and Hamilton Streets, the initial implementation of the highly anticipated Center Square redesign commenced as year-end approached. It was marked by utility relocation in the area surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monument being done in preparation for construction of the reimagined public space beginning in the Spring of 2026. The project is funded in part through the NIZ.
More investment in public spaces is coming soon. This year the Authority board approved funding for several planned streetscape projects including: up to $1.7 million to be invested on the south side of the 600 and 700 blocks of Hamilton Street featuring the permanent installation of a bronze bell to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary and Allentown’s role in the nation’s founding; up to $1.8 million to be invested on N. 6th, W. Linden, and W. Turner Streets; and up to $2.2 million on N. 7th Street from Linden to Chew Street. In addition, modifications were authorized to enhance previously approved public improvement projects along Hamilton Street in Downtown West to provide for the installation of the marble Eros and Psyche sculpture in the 900 block, and a steel gateway arch in the 1100 block.
As for investment in the private realm, the Authority closed on the issuance of its Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 in the par amount of $53,270,000 in September. A portion of the proceeds will be used to fund development of City Center Group’s One Center Square building, which is prominently located at the corner of 7th and Hamilton Streets. Plans for the real estate development were modified in 2025 to include the addition of a new fourth floor of office space, expanding the total building size to 87,000 square feet while still preserving the historic Merchants Bank façade. Bond proceeds will also be used for capital improvements to select tenant space in the One City Center and Two City Center office buildings.
The quality of the development within the Neighborhood Improvement Zone has not gone unnoticed. In May, the Downtown West and Da Vinci Science Center projects were named winners of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philadelphia District Council Award for Excellence in two different categories. Winning projects represent the highest standards of achievement in the development industry and advance the Urban Land Institute mission to shape the future of the built environment for positive impact in communities worldwide.
In addition to investments in the built environment, the Authority made a commitment of $150,000 as a founding funder of the newly formed Downtown Allentown Alliance (DAA). With the support of ANIZDA and other public and private sector funders, DAA began the process of developing clear, unifying messaging and a marketing program for downtown Allentown. The organization plans to promote the downtown regionally to help reframe existing perceptions and shape a positive identity, market existing and future downtown assets and promote small businesses through coordinated campaigns that drive traffic and awareness.
It was another busy year for ANIZDA and our public and private sector partners. The business of the Authority was conducted in fourteen public board and committee meetings throughout the year.