Buildings and architecture of Allentown, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Allentown, a big city in Pennsylvania

Trout Hall, one of Allentown's oldest houses, built in 1770

The tall PPL Building in Center City Allentown, the city's highest building

Building the PPL Center in Allentown in 2013

Center Square in Allentown in 2021

The Albertus L. Meyers Bridge, also called the 8th Street Bridge

A block on Hamilton Street in Allentown in 2007

The Civic Theatre of Allentown in 2004

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a city with a rich history. Its buildings and architecture tell the story of how the city grew. You can see everything from old homes and churches to big factory buildings. Some of these buildings played a part in important events. These include the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. Many buildings in Allentown are among the oldest in the United States.

Allentown's Building History

Allentown was started in 1762. The city has three special historic areas. These are Old Allentown, the Old Fairgrounds, and West Park. Old Allentown and Old Fairgrounds are in the city center. They have a house tour every year in September. The West Park area shows off its larger Victorian and American Craftsman-style homes.

The oldest building still standing in Allentown is Trout Hall. It was built in 1770 by James Allen. He was the son of William Allen, who founded the city. This old home is located at South 4th and Walnut streets. Over the years, it had different names. It was once called Livingston Mansion.

Later, in 1848, it became Allentown Seminary. From 1867 to 1905, it was home to Muhlenberg College. Today, Trout Hall has been restored. The Lehigh County Historical Society takes care of it.

Miller Symphony Hall is another historic building. It was built in 1896. You can find it at 23 North Sixth Street in the city center.

Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ was founded in 1762. It is located at 620 West Hamilton Street. The first church building was a simple log cabin. It was shared with another church group.

The church building you see today is much grander. It was built in the 1880s in a neo-gothic style. Inside, the sanctuary has beautiful stained glass windows. These windows show Bible stories and flowers.

Zion's Church played a very special role in American history. Until 2023, it was home to the Liberty Bell Museum. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden here. It was placed under the floorboards in the church's basement. This kept it safe from the British soldiers.

Buildings from the 1900s

In the 1900s, rowhouses became very popular in Allentown. Many were built in the Victorian or Federal styles. The West End neighborhood is known for these homes. It has brick twin houses closer to the city center. It also features larger homes, like the Hess Mansion.

The PPL Building is Allentown's tallest building. It was built between 1926 and 1928. It stands 322 feet (98 meters) tall and has 23 stories. You can find it at 9th and Hamilton streets.

This building is a famous landmark in the Lehigh Valley. Its Art Deco tower can be seen from far away. On a clear day, you can even see it from Blue Mountain. Famous architects designed this building. Harvey Wiley Corbett, who helped design Rockefeller Center, was the main architect. His assistant, Wallace Harrison, later designed Lincoln Center.

In 1930, the PPL Building was called the "best example of a modern office building" by Encyclopædia Britannica. It was also known for having the world's fastest elevator at the time. You can even see the PPL Building in the 1954 movie Executive Suite.

Buildings in the 2000s

At the start of the 2000s, many offices and shops in Allentown were empty. But things began to change. In 2011, new plans were announced. Developers wanted to bring businesses and workers back to the city. They used a special tax zone to help build the new PPL Center. This new center is located at 7th and Hamilton streets.

Some old industrial buildings have also been given new life. They have been turned into modern apartments. Examples include the Farr Lofts in Center City. The P&P Mill Building and Auburn Station are also now loft-style apartments.

Tallest Buildings in the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley has many tall buildings. Here are some of the highest ones: