Board approves special exception to allow partial demolition, facade preservation and new floors at 702 Hamilton Street

On June 30 the Allentown Zoning Hearing Board approved a special exception under section 660.52(d) of the zoning ordinance allowing East Penn Properties LP (City Center Group as applicant) to demolish parts of the historic building at 702 Hamilton Street while preserving the building’s primary facades on Hamilton and Seventh streets and constructing new floors and additions behind those facades.

Attorney Dennis McCarthy presented the application on behalf of City Center Group/East Penn Properties LP. McCarthy said the applicant seeks relief under Section 660.52(d) (special exception for partial demolition/preservation) to remove an annex and portions of an upper floor, retain and restore street‑facing facades, and add a new third and fourth floor and a full‑footprint fourth floor in place of a small existing attic floor. The project will result in roughly 83,000 square feet of space with first‑floor retail and restaurant space intended…