ALLENTOWN, PA – May 18, 2026 – Senator Nick Miller and the City of Allentown held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Allentown Center Square Plaza. The groundbreaking marked the launch of the final phase in the ongoing project. Critical infrastructure rehabilitation and roadway improvements surrounding 7th and Hamilton Streets began in the winter. When completed, the new Center Square Plaza will be a more pedestrian friendly community hub.
Enhancements to the Center Square Plaza, including improvements to the northeast and southeast corners, will improve aesthetics, accessibility, and overall functionality for residents, visitors, and downtown businesses. The Center Square Project is a coordinated effort that combines three related initiatives implemented over multiple phases to strengthen downtown infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and enhance public spaces.
Funding for the project includes a combination of ANIZDA public improvement funding, state funding, and private investment. In 2024, Senator Miller announced he secured $2.5 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the Center Square Public Improvement Project in downtown Allentown.
“The Center Square Plaza is a key part of continuing to make downtown Allentown a destination residents can take pride in, and visitors are eager to experience. As a lifelong resident of Allentown, I have witnessed our downtown’s incredible transformation firsthand,” said Senator Miller. “This project builds on the momentum of transformative investments like the PPL Center, the ongoing redevelopment of 702 Hamilton, the work of the Downtown Allentown Alliance, and the installation of the Semiquincentennial Liberty Bell, connecting Allentown’s history legacy to its bright future.”
“Allentown is continuing to make strides in its goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries, and this redesign will help us get there,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “The amazing physical transformation of Hamilton Street both enhances its liveliness and makes it a safer place for all Allentonians to walk, bike, and roll through our downtown.”
“The project, funded in part through $3.3 million provided by the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority’s Public Improvement Investment Program, will greatly enhance the public space in the heart of our vibrant downtown,” said Sy Traub, Chairperson, ANIZDA. “The plaza and surrounding streetscape improvements are designed to promote social interactions and connections among residents, visitors and the downtown workforce.”
“I am truly delighted to contribute to preserving the rich history of Allentown’s Center Square through the interpretive panels,” said local historian Frank Whelan. “It’s an honor to help celebrate the community’s legacy and ensure that its stories are remembered for generations to come.”
Construction is expected to continue through Fall 2026. The City of Allentown previously announced the anticipated Construction Phases:
- Phase 1 – NW Corner (PPL Center)
- April 20 – May 21
- Phase 2 – SW Corner (702 Hamilton St)
- May 21 – June 12, 2026
- Phase 3 – NE Corner (2 City Center / 645 Hamilton St)
- June 10 – August 5, 2026
- Phase 4 – SE Corner (County Building and Vault)
- July 31 – October 5, 2026
- Phase 5 – Linden St & 7th St (West Corners)
- July 15 – August 7, 2026
- Phase 6 – Final Paving (Full Project Length)
- September 22 – November 6, 2026
Visit PASenatorMiller.com for the full groundbreaking.
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