Old Allentown Preservation Association

10/27/2026

🎄✨ Light Up the Holidays in Old Allentown! ✨🎄

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we're excited to invite you to our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting!

Join the Old Allentown Preservation Association as we gather with friends, families, and neighbors to kick off the holiday season and light up our beautiful little corner of Allentown!

🎄 Saturday, November 21st
🕟 4:30 PM
📍 8th & Gordon Street Pocket Park

There's something special about celebrating the holidays together as a neighborhood, and we love keeping this festive tradition alive!

Everyone is welcome! Whether you're a longtime resident, new to the neighborhood, or simply want to share in the holiday spirit, we'd love to see you there!

Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and help us make Old Allentown merry and bright! ❤️🎄

10/23/2026

One of the wonderful things about Old Allentown’s historic row homes is their potential to evolve and adapt to the needs of today’s homeowners while preserving the architectural character that makes our neighborhood so special.

One of our neighbors recently shared this fascinating video documenting his renovation of two side-by-side row homes into one residence, thoughtfully designed to allow him to age in place and enjoy his home for years to come.

It’s a great example of how creative thinking and thoughtful renovations can breathe new life into historic properties. Whether it’s combining homes, reimagining interior layouts, incorporating modern conveniences, or improving accessibility, there are so many ways to make these older homes more functional and desirable without sacrificing their historic integrity.

Historic preservation isn’t just about protecting the past. It’s also about finding ways for these wonderful buildings to remain relevant, livable, and loved for generations to come.

Take a look at this inspiring transformation right here in Old Allentown!

10/08/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our longtime Old Allentown neighbor, member, and friend, Deb Held.

Deb called Old Allentown home for many years and was a much-loved part of our neighborhood. She generously gave her time to our community and will be remembered as a dedicated neighbor and friend who was always ready to lend a helping hand. Her friendship, service, and love for Old Allentown will not be forgotten. ❤️

As Deb wished, we’ll be gathering with her Old Allentown friends on Sunday, November 15th at 1:00 PM at the Allentown Brew Works to celebrate her life.

Deb didn’t want a formal service—she wanted her friends to gather, have fun, share some laughs and memories, and enjoy each other’s company. So come have a b**r, share a story, and help us raise a glass to Deb.

Please share with anyone who knew Deb and may want to join us. ❤️

View Deborah L. Held's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

The resident that submits the most valid concerns gets a $100 gift card!

It's official... the 311 Contest starts TODAY!

Spot a non-emergency issue around Allentown? Report it through 311 now through October 31 for a chance to win $100 Visa gift card!

The resident with the most valid concerns takes the prize.

Submit at 311.allentownpa.gov. Contact information is required.

09/17/2026

We’re excited to share some progress at the Hazel Stauffer (8th and Gordon St) Pocket Park!

Earlier this year, OAPA was fortunate to receive a $5,000 DCED grant through Senator Nick Miller’s office to help restore approximately 16 feet of the park’s fencing that was damaged in an accident.

Because of the intricate design of the existing fence, replacing the damaged section required more than simply installing new fencing. Scheidler Fabrication took on the challenge of recreating the original design and did an amazing job matching the existing fence as closely as possible. We’re really pleased with how it turned out!

The newly fabricated section will be installed as part of the larger renovation project we’re currently working on at the Pocket Park.

We’re looking forward to seeing everything come together and sharing more progress as the improvements move forward.

A big thank you to Senator Nick Miller’s office and DCED for supporting this project, and to Scheidler Fabrication for the care and craftsmanship that went into recreating such a unique part of the park.

09/16/2026

Great news for Old Allentown! 🎉

The Old Allentown Preservation Association has been awarded $1,500 from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Main Street program to help fund an additional Victor Stanley round table and chairs for our 8th and Gordon Street Pocket Park park.

This new seating is part of a larger planned renovation of the park, aimed at creating a more welcoming, functional, and beautiful community space for residents and visitors. OAPA is continuing to seek additional funding to support the broader improvements and bring the full vision for the park to life.

A huge thank you to the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Main Street program for supporting this project and investing in Old Allentown.

We’d also like to thank U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie for presenting OAPA with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of our work to preserve, improve, and strengthen the Old Allentown neighborhood.

We’re excited to see this project take shape and to continue working toward meaningful improvements that bring neighbors together and enhance this important community space. 🌳

07/29/2026

The first lecture of our Window Wednesday series is tonight!

If you plan on attending, here are a few details:

Parking

Free off-street parking is available in the parking lot across Hamilton Street from Christ Lutheran Church.
Entrance

The presentation will be held in the Christ Church School portion of the building.

Please use the entrance to the right of the church's main Hamilton Street doors. You'll see "Christ Church School" above the entrance.

We hope to see you there!

07/14/2026

🪟 Introducing Window Wednesdays! 🪟

The Old Allentown Preservation Association is excited to launch a brand-new four-part educational series all about understanding, restoring, and maintaining historic windows!

Whether you're a homeowner, DIY enthusiast, preservation professional, contractor, or simply love old buildings, these sessions are designed to help you better care for one of the most important architectural features of historic homes.

Join us as a local expert covers topics including:
🏡 Why historic windows should be restored rather than replaced
🌬️ Storm windows & weatherstripping
🪵 Repairing wood rot and other common issues
🎨 Proper priming, glazing & painting techniques

📅 Wednesdays | 6:00–7:00 PM
July 29 • August 5 • August 19 • August 26
📍 Christ Lutheran Church
1245 Hamilton Street, Allentown

Attend one session or all four—there's no commitment to the entire series! Each class stands on its own, so come to whichever topics interest you most.

The series is FREE and open to everyone, with a suggested $10 donation to benefit the Old Allentown Preservation Association.

We believe education is one of the best ways to preserve our historic neighborhoods, and we're thrilled to bring this opportunity to our community. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with friends, neighbors, and anyone who appreciates historic homes.

📧 RSVP or questions: [email protected]

We hope to see you there!

07/07/2026

The Downtown Allentown Alliance (DAA) is thrilled to announce the launch of their new website, designed to help you explore all that Allentown has to offer!

Discover unique experiences with customized itineraries highlighting local retail businesses, cultural spots, sports, educational organizations, bars, restaurants, and more. The site also features a calendar of events, parking information, an FAQ section, and details about the DAA.

With more experiences being added soon, make sure to check back often and stay updated on all the exciting things to do in Allentown!

Restaurants, bars, live music, murals, and events across a few flat, walkable blocks. Pick a vibe, and we'll route you through the best of Downtown Allentown.