AEDC Selects Developer for Former Allentown Metal Works Property
ALLENTOWN, PA. — Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is pleased to announce that it has negotiated an agreement of sale with Marcon Properties, LLC, for the former Allentown Metal Works site at 606 S. 10th Street. In cooperation with the Allentown Commercial and Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA), AEDC purchased the 17.5-acre site in 2013 after two private buyers in 2012 were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with the private equity firm that owned the site.
Marcon Properties will purchase the property from ACIDA and work cooperatively with AEDC to return the brownfield to manufacturing use. Marcon Properties plans to lease the two buildings totaling more than 160,000 square feet to affiliated entity Eastern Exterior Wall Systems, Inc. “The ability of these buildings to support overhead cranes and the overall size of the property were key factors in choosing this site,” said Charles Marcon. The project will involve complete renovation of the buildings in two phases with work on the first building currently commencing construction and scheduled for completion in summer of 2023. The second building is entering design phase and is anticipated for completion by the end of 2024.
Charles Marcon, owner of Marcon Properties and Scott Unger, Executive Director of AEDC at the currently under construction Plant Number One at the Allentown Metal Works site. (Photo from LehighValleyNews.com)
AEDC acquired the site, performed environmental characterization, two rounds of remediation and selective demolition of all but the two primary manufacturing buildings. The work was conducted using a combination of state, federal and local funding sources in addition to direct investment by AEDC. In December of 2017 an environmental covenant was completed with Pennsylvania DEP concluding the initial requirements of the Pennsylvania Voluntary Clean-Up Program under the special industrial area provision of Act II.
“The City of Allentown is thrilled to see the former Allentown Metal Works site come back to life as a place to make things and that Eastern Exterior Wall Systems chose Allentown for their project,” says Mayor, Matt Tuerk.
“The redevelopment of the long dormant Allentown Metal Works site will bring new economic opportunity and jobs to the city,” Senator Pat Browne said. “The Lehigh Valley’s diverse economy includes a robust manufacturing sector, and I am pleased to see that Allentown is playing a leading role in attracting these new opportunities.”
“Allentown’s economic success has long been built upon folks from the neighborhood being able to work at local, family sustaining jobs,” Representative Peter Schweyer said, “This project will provide the same opportunity to our residents. I am elated that this site in Allentown will be revitalized.”
“Expanding the manufacturing sector of Pennsylvania’s 7th District has been one of my top priorities in Congress and bringing the Allentown Metal Works site back into productive use will have tremendous positive impact on the entire Lehigh Valley,” said Representative Susan Wild. “I am grateful to ACIDA, AEDC, Marcon Properties, and all of the other public and private partners who’ve had the vision and long-term commitment to turn this vast brownfield into a source of manufacturing jobs accessible to many in Allentown’s surrounding neighborhoods. Projects like Allentown Metal Works will help us continue to grow and build upon the Lehigh Valley’s rich manufacturing history.”
The manufacturing history and employment potential of the site made it a priority for redevelopment following the closure of Allentown Metal Works in January of 2011. “Successful completion of a brownfield reclamation of this size is only possible with the cooperation of many partners. We are grateful to the City of Allentown, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the County of Lehigh, our local, state and federal elected officials and LVEDC for their ongoing support of this project,” says AEDC Executive Director Scott Unger.
Marcon Properties selected Alvin H. Butz, Inc. as the Construction Manager for the project that is estimated at more than $35 million. Since 1979 AEDC’s projects have returned economic activity to more than 73-acres of vacant or underutilized land in the City of Allentown. Once completed, Allentown Metal Works will bring that total to more than 90-acres.
About Allentown Economic Development Corporation
Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1979, whose mission is to make Allentown the best place to grow a manufacturing business. AEDC is committed to advancing the economic vitality of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley through its three core initiatives; Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, Urban Made, and Urban Sites, programs focused on helping businesses grow, receive the support they need and find a home in Allentown. For more information, please visit www.allentownedc.com.
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Contact: Lauren E. Matthews
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Allentown Economic Development Corp.
O: 610.435.8890
E: lmatthews@allentownedc.com
