Twenty Lehigh Valley development projects, including manufacturing, offices, retail, healthcare, housing, education, and community facilities were recognized recently at the Lehigh Valley Business Real Estate & Development Summit. 
Held on March 12 at DeSales University, the sold-out event brought together 350 professionals in real estate, development, economic development, and related fields. Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) was one of the sponsors of the event.
Receiving Top Projects Awards in the Lehigh Valley were:
Allentown Panel Shop, Allentown: $25 million renovation of an historic 125,000-square-foot manufacturing facility into a new home for Eastern Exterior Wall Systems.
Archer Music Hall, Allentown: Construction of a new music and entertainment venue between two historic buildings, built to blend with existing streetscape.
Bridgeside Estates, Allentown: Redevelopment of a six-building affordable housing complex into 50 contemporary townhouses.
CAT Lehigh Valley, Upper Macungie Township: Construction of a new 58,146-square-foot Caterpillar Equipment, Sales, Rental, and Service center.
Chestnut Ridge at Rodale, Emmaus: Redevelopment of the former Rodale publishing campus into a state-of-the-art retirement community.
Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavillion, Allentown: Construction of new $75 million, 67,000-square-foot facility that is projected to draw more than 400,000 visitors, generate an economic output of nearly $34 million annually, and help to develop the Lehigh Valley’s future workforce by showcasing opportunities in science-related fields and providing educational programming.
Freemansburg Amphitheater, Freemansburg: Construction of a new performance venue to drive cultural enrichment and community engagement.
Gross McGinley LLP, Allentown: Renovation of a 124-year-old building to modernize the historic structure while preserving its character.
Juxtahub, Emmaus: Renovation of a 22,000-square-foot studio, classroom, and maker space into a vibrant arts education hub.
Lafayette College Simon Center for Economics and Business, Easton: Renovation of the 35,000-square-foot former Kunkel Hall into a hub for economics and policy students with smart classrooms, specialized facilities including a data lab and Bloomberg lab, and faculty offices.
Lehigh Valley Hospital – Macungie, Lower Macungie Township: Construction of a neighborhood hospital featuring emergency room, inpatient medical unit, and ambulatory diagnostic services.
Lutheran Senior Services – Greenwood Apartments, South Whitehall Township: Construction of a new four-story building with 70 senior living apartments to expand the campus.
Moxy Allentown Downtown, Allentown: Construction of a 133-room hotel celebrating local culture, integrated into historic streetscape.
NB Center for American Automotive Heritage, Allentown: Construction of an innovative 8,650-square-foot display building to showcase automotive history.
Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Slatington: Complete redesign and renovation of a 70-year-old auto dealership.
Rothrock Red Panda Peak, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Upper Macungie Township: Construction of a new habitat for endangered red pandas, designed for animal welfare and visitor experience.
Sierra Circle Office Building, Upper Saucon Township: Construction of a four-story, 53,000-square-foot professional space.
St. Luke’s Medical Offices – Walbert Avenue, South Whitehall Township: Construction of a three-story facility that houses a family practice, blood draw, physical therapy, x-ray, sports medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology, pediatrics, dermatology, and a medical spa.
Taylor Flats, Bethlehem: Transformation of a vacant lot in the South Side Historic District into a vibrant mixed-use development with apartments and retail space.
The Commodore, Easton: Redevelopment of an urban retail space into a seven-story mixed use property with apartments, retail, and a rooftop restaurant in Easton’s Historic District.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the Lehigh Valley Business Real Estate & Development Summit included a keynote address on economic data by Thomas Neale, Managing Director of Interest Rate Management at First National Bank.
A panel discussion addressed the growing use and influence of artificial intelligence, with panelists Michael Bernadyn, President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®; Andrew Lawler, Chief Operating Officer of Barry Isett & Associates; and Lisa Pektor, President of PennCap Properties. The discussion was moderated by Glenn Ebersole, Business Development Manager of PM Design Group.
(Photos by LVEDC, Rick Kintzel, City Center Group, The Creative Services Department)