Taller Three City Center approved by Allentown Planning Commission

ALLENTOWN, Pa. -

A taller Three City Center will rise early next year on the vacant lot once occupied by the Colonial movie theater along Hamilton Street in Allentown.

A seven-story version of the office building, which will cost about $50 million to build, won final approval the Allentown Planning Commission Thursday afternoon.

Three City Center initially was envisioned as being only five stories tall, but representatives of the developer -- City Center Investment Corp. often said more levels might be added.

After the plan was approved by a 3-0 vote, planning commission member Richard Button declared: I think this is really neat! This is gorgeous!

An artists rendering makes it obvious that adding two more floors will create a structure that is more imposing and less squat.

Judy Woosnam, vice president of operations for City Center, explained the building will be taller because of the amount of interest it is generating from potential commercial tenants. She said the company already is in negotiations with tenants.

Voting with Button to approve the project were Anthony Toth and Frank Facchiano.

Planning commission members Oldrich Foucek and Christian Brown abstained because they have business dealings with the developer.

James Gentile, construction manager, predicted construction of Three City Center will begin sometime during the first three months of 2014 and take up to one year to complete.

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Taller Three City Center approved by Allentown Planning Commission