The next phase of The Waterfront development in Allentown is getting underway.
After the completion in March of last year of the first building, Six Fifteen Waterfront, a six-story Class A office building, construction has begun on the first residential component of the project, “River House” at 30 E. Allen St.
The Waterfront Development Co., headed by Mark Jaindl, CEO, and Zachary Jaindl, COO, is creating 201 apartments, split between studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans for this second phase of development.
The complex will feature amenities such as a pool, outdoor barbecues, a fitness center, a rooftop terrace and a courtyard for tenants.
River House was designed by Bernardon of Philadelphia and will be constructed by Serfass Construction of Allentown.
With the project fully approved by the city, Serfass has begun preliminary work. Vertical construction is expected to begin in the third or fourth quarter of the year as soon as the groundwork is complete.
Zac Jaindl said having office, residential, retail and restaurant space together in the Waterfront is key to their vision.
“The Waterfront was designed using one primary ethos -- to combine work and life experiences into one campus that would ultimately become a premier destination in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, Jaindl said.
He said he expects there to be a great demand from potential tenants.
“The Lehigh Valley is one of the most attractive housing destinations in the nation with our region’s proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and New York, fantastic family amenities, top-of-the-line health networks, and affordable cost of living, we have established ourselves as a premier destination for a sweeping range of demographics,” Jaindl said.
He added that he believes it will be an optimal housing option for young professionals and individuals seeking low-maintenance amenities while still enjoying open space.
Upon full completion of the publicly licensed River Walk, Jaindl said the development will offer designated fishing areas and is planned to host various river programming activities, such as college boat races.
The goal is to attract tourists as well as fostering a strong community environment for those who will live there.
The Waterfront will complete its half-mile River Walk as part of its current work. It will link the southern and northern ends of the site, where another residential building will be built in the future.
He expects the views to be a major attraction to River House.
“Waking up daily to sweeping views of the Lehigh River is an obvious attraction,” Jaindl said. “In addition to the building itself, The Waterfront will offer residents a walkable campus that combines the city's amenities with the suburbs' aesthetic. Tenants can walk along the garden-lined River Walk or bike along the D&L Heritage Trail. The on-site public plazas will be fully programmed, and tenants and residents can take full advantage of direct river access via one of our on-site floating docks.”
The developers also hope to invoke a bit of nostalgia with the project.
“The waterway created fertile ground for industry and allowed Allentown to become a hub for finance, silk, steel, breweries, retail, and so much more,” Jaindl said. “While many of these industries have since left our city, The Waterfront was designed to reintroduce Lehigh Valley residents and visitors back to the river’s shores.”
Jaindl said he expects the Waterfront will add to the development that’s been going on in the city’s downtown.
“Together with the development happening in Center City Allentown, The Waterfront will spur the redevelopment of the River Wards District and create another work-life destination,” he said.
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