An addition to Downtown Allentown's revitalization will give a jolt of energy to the city.
Starbucks is coming to Center City Allentown.
Center City Lehigh Valley announced the coffee shop will be located at the corner of Seventh and Hamilton Streets, across from the PPL Center. It’s scheduled to open in June. The store will be on the first floor of Two City Center at 645 Hamilton Street.
Starbucks brings with it a well-known name and a global brand.
"This is something we have tried for years but would have never been able to achieve unless it was for the mass amount of new investment and economic energy that's flowing into the city," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski.
"For a long period of time Allentown was struggling and our demographic data really didn't fit their model for investment," Pawlowski said.
"We're arriving. I think that's the best way I can describe it," said Joe Kornfeind, Associate Dean of The Wescoe School of Muhlenberg College. "I think it's a great opportunity for Allentown."
"We're starting to see the benefits of this development and a place like Starbucks recognizes that they go with winners and I think Allentown certainly is a winning opportunity for them," Kornfeind added.
Pawlowski said, "Wherever Starbucks goes usually you'll see property values rise and other national retailers start to follow suit."
Officials with the real estate site Zillow found properties near Starbucks appreciate at a faster rate and it seems the coffee chain drives the increase in home values.
"They're actually seeing the future that we're going to have a lot more people living downtown that will support their products and services," said Koenfeind. "When we look at strategic planning, they can forecast three to five years out of seeing what areas are going to be built up."
Pawlowski said, "This really vote of confidence, if you will, by Starbucks I think will set the stage for other retailers to come in and invest in the city of Allentown in the future.
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