Mixed-Use Redevelopment at 300 Hamilton Street
Summary
Thomas Jefferson University is leasing 70,000 square feet downtown for its Lehigh Valley medical school campus — up to 240 students and 175 faculty, in a 24/7 building. The variance lets anatomy labs reach the Hamilton Street facade, with restaurant space kept on the 7th Street corner.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
A multi-decade lease on 70,000 square feet represents a major private investment in downtown Allentown, with foot traffic expected to support nearby businesses.
Downtown businesses, Jefferson students and faculty, and the city's broader economic development efforts benefit from the new campus.
The 42 feet of Hamilton Street frontage loses its required street-level retail, slightly reducing pedestrian-oriented storefront space there.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Historical Architectural Review Board — November 2, 2026
Thomas Jefferson University is leasing 70,000 square feet downtown for its Lehigh Valley medical school campus — up to 240 students and 175 faculty, in a 24/7 building. The variance lets anatomy labs reach the Hamilton Street facade, with restaurant space kept on the 7th Street corner.
Planning Commission — August 11, 2026
Real Star Properties proposed building a large 132-unit apartment building, a hotel and event center, and retail space at 300-324 W Hamilton Street. This project could bring more housing and commercial activity to downtown Allentown.
Zoning Hearing Board — March 2, 2026
A developer is turning a long-vacant 190-year-old office building into 10 new apartments, helping revitalize downtown while keeping historic architectural features intact.
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