Public Projects & Dedication to Community
Community development is at the heart of our project planning. It encompasses collective efforts that improve the quality of life in local neighborhoods, focusing on social, economic, and environmental enhancements. We work closely with our community governments and believe that public-private partnerships can be transformative tools, assisting in the financial resources, our team’s expertise and innovation required to create sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities.
The ArtsWalk (Allentown, PA)
The ArtsWalk is a public-private project that transformed downtown alleyways into walkable paths connecting Center Square to the Arts District. Designed by DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, it is a continuous, pedestrian-friendly corridor featuring art, shops, restaurants, and residential uses. The design uses consistent materials and elements to unify the space as it moves between cultural and social areas.
The second phase added a flexible plaza with special lighting, furniture, and greenery, creating an inviting space across from the historic Miller Symphony Hall. Future phases will extend the walkway across the street.
The third phase created a gathering area between a new residential building and Miller Symphony Hall, with sculptural benches, decorative lanterns, and a patterned paving design that emphasizes the center. Nearby, a large, restored sculpture by Ernest Shaw adds color to the plaza.
Phases four to six included the development of Court Street Alley next to Miller Symphony Hall, a connector called the Hamilton Connector that links Hamilton Street to a community Pocket Park. The Pocket Park features seating and performance areas for events like movies, music, yoga, and dancing – all lines with inspirational murals from worldwide artists.
The PATH (Allentown, PA)
The Path is a vibrant pedestrian alleyway located between 930 and 932 Hamilton, connecting the Maple Street Garage to Allentown’s new vibrant main strip in Downtown West featuring The Moxy Hotel and Archer Music Hall. The alley features 4,000 square feet of Murals completed by 17 local, national, and international muralists, catenary and colorful LED lighting, picnic tables, and an interactive “Before I Die” wall that encourages visitors to reflect and share their aspirations with the community.
This creative space was brought to life through a collaboration between City Center Group, Allentown Mural Arts, Dripped on Production, and the IBEW 375 Apprenticeship Program. To celebrate its completion, The Art Jam mural festival welcomed the public to explore the newly finished Path, meet the artists, and connect the community with cultural exchange and understanding.
Allentown Streetscape Improvements
The revitalization of Allentown’s streetscapes along Hamilton Street from 5th to 12th Streets marks a significant step toward creating a more vibrant, sustainable, and walkable downtown. By collaborating with the City of Allentown and ANIZDA, City Center Group led the design and construction efforts to transform aging, deteriorated sidewalks into inviting public spaces.
The new streetscape features include wide, accessible sidewalks, elegant granite benches, strategically planted trees, bike racks, trash receptacles, and modern street lighting. These improvements not only enhance safety and accessibility but also foster a lively street environment that encourages walking, biking, and community engagement.
This transformation helps establish a distinctive identity for Downtown Allentown, making it more appealing for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. The project exemplifies how thoughtful urban design can promote economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and a high quality of life for all who experience it.
Allentown Center Square Design
Center Square stands at the heart of downtown Allentown anchored by the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Once a place where celebrations, festivals, protests, parades, and everyday moments occurred safely the modernizing of roadways forced the monument to sit on an island, out of reach, but that’s about to change.
City Center Group helped the City re-envision this historic space by opening it up to everyone and creating a contiguous peninsula. The new design will create a welcoming public gathering area around the monument, with elements inspired by the voices and feedback of our community. This civic plaza will foster connection, safety, and accessibility, with thoughtful improvements like better paving, lush street trees, green spaces, and inspiring public art.
Construction is underway, with a goal to complete the transformation by early 2027. Together, we’re making Center Square a place where all of Allentown can come together to celebrate, reflect, and build a stronger community.