Transforming a 1.5-mile length of Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown, this new streetscape has completely redefined the pedestrian experience of the City’s main thoroughfare from 5th through 12th Streets. As a central artery and Allentown’s civic & retail boulevard, Hamilton Street was once nationally known for its retail experiences and innovative “hanging garden” street lamps. The streetscape had since fallen into disrepair, however, and had not been improved since the late 1970s. Broken pavement, benches, and lack of lighting made the downtown feel unsafe, and had become incongruent with the fresh energy of Allentown’s cultural activation and downtown development in the past decade.

Today, the streetscape is updated with modern materials, systems and amenities, creating a sustainable corridor. The project began with a master plan for design guidelines for downtown streetscapes, and then four subsequent phases of work were built within the past six years. The final phase of the 600-700 block of Hamilton Street will be complete in 2025/2026.

The project has improved the walkability and accessibility of downtown with consistent paving, enhanced crosswalks, new signage, bike racks, and ADA-accessible LANTA bus stops. The design team worked with transportation authorities at LANTA to enhance five new bus stops along the length of Hamilton Street, integrating modern shelters and signage that enhances the user experience. Bump-out sidewalks with civic gardens and raised crosswalks in strategic areas have enhanced pedestrian safety while also helping to lessen the speed of cars.

The design relies upon simple, timeless materials to form a pedestrian-friendly environment. Custom-designed stone benches provide places for ADA-accessible seating, and are made of Mount Airy Granite so they will last for centuries. All lighting has been restored to modern fixtures, while keeping the tradition of the historic “hanging gardens.” Art is infused in the design with new murals developed by the Allentown Arts Commission, as well as public art on utility boxes within the right-of-way.

A rhythmic sequence of street trees defines the linear landscape, creating dappled shade but also offering vantages to retail shopfronts. From 5th Street to 12th, 112 existing unhealthy trees were removed, replaced by 185 new trees. This will allow the city to capture 15.5 tons of carbon each year through the tree plantings alone, while also providing comfortable shade during increasingly hot summers. An array of native plants enhance the streetscape, creating an ombre effect of pollinator gardens.

This 1.5-mile streetscape within the core of downtown hosts a number of small businesses, office spaces, and housing along its length. The design was developed through a three-party partnership among ANIZDA, the City of Allentown, and developer City Center Allentown. The streetscape has improved the experience and perception of downtown Allentown, working in concert with historic preservation and investment efforts to spur downtown economic development. Transforming the downtown character of Pennsylvania’s third-largest city – and part of the fastest-growing region in the state – the redesigned Hamilton Street is at the heart of Allentown’s renaissance.

Project Partners:

• Owner/Developer – City of Allentown, Pennsylvania
• Landscape Architect – Omnes
• Funder – Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority (ANIZDA)
• Engineer – RETTEW Associates
• Sponsor – City Center Group
• Transportation Authority – LANTA
• Electrical Engineering – Diefenderfer
• Lighting Designer – Diversified Lighting
• Contractor – North Star Construction Management
• Landscaper – Godschall’s Landscpaing & Hydroseeding