Back in January, the Allentown Planning Commission asked the new developer of the long-planned “pencil tower” to “start from scratch.”
The project is back on the commission’s agenda, and the proposed 37-story tower on a small lot at 90 S. Ninth St. will receive a hearing at Tuesday’s meeting. Originally known as Landmark Tower, it has been renamed “Peregrine Tower Land Project.”
Umran Global Investment LLC, which has an address in Hanover Township, Northampton County, purchased the 5,200-square-foot plot of land from Ascot Circle Realty in December for $1.2 million, according to Lehigh County real estate records.
In its first appearance before the commission in January, Umran Global was denied an extension to submit detailed plans for the project, something that was granted five times since the go-ahead was first given in 2015 to the previous developer, Bruce Loch. He proposed the project, a 33-story building, in 2013.
The board voted 4-3 for the denial with board Chair Christian Brown saying “we look forward to seeing this project moving forward. Do it with a clean slate.”
During that meeting, Umran Global officials presented plans for the building that will be 70% residential and 30% office and retail. The first floor will have retail and a residential lobby; the second and third floors will be retail; the fourth floor will be a connection to a neighboring parking garage; the sixth through 10th floors will be offices; and the 11th through 36th floors will be residential. A rooftop restaurant is planned for the 37th floor.
The building was given four additional stories as adjustments were made to floor-to-floor heights.
If built, the skinny skyscraper would become the Lehigh Valley’s tallest building, eclipsing the nearby PPL Building.
Also on the agenda for Tuesday’s planning commission meeting is a proposed warehouse at 2268 S. 12th St. proposed by developer Abe Atiyeh. The project will redevelop a 2.23-acre site.
The Mishka Vodka Distillery also is proposing to consolidate two lots into a single parcel at 1932 E. Livingston St. for construction of a new building, parking, loading and related walkways, sidewalks and utilities.
The meeting is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Tuesday in City Council chambers.
Morning 첥Ƶ reporter Evan Jones can be reached at ejones@mcall.com.
