171 Elmwood Avenue is being transformed. What was once a rather dull and rickety-looking single-story brick building in Allentown, now looks quite presentable. We initially discussed the work ahead in this article from November of 2020.
It would have been great to see a really nice Elmwood Discount Liquor & Wine sign adhered to the Phase 1 project. There need to be more Main Street Grant Programs available for just this reason. These types of matching grant programs encourage business owners to invest in aesthetically pleasing features that they might otherwise skimp out on. So often, we see a great project underway, only to be punctuated with mediocre (at best) signage. Why not accentuate the great work that is being done on the building, with a nice new “statement” sign?
As for the work that is being done on the circa-1923 building:..
Phase One: North One-Story Portion (complete)
- Brick Restoration and Parapet Repair
- Add Accent Brickwork
- Knee Wall Restoration
- Window and Door Replacement
- Transom Replacement
- Paint Existing Brick
Phase Two: Southern Two-Story Portion (in the works)
- Brick Restoration and Parapet Repair
- Add Accent Brickwork
- Soffit and Brick Pilaster Repair
- Paint Concrete Base
- Window and Door Replacement
For me, the biggest takeaway is the potential for other building owners to do the same thing. I see a number of buildings on Hertel Avenue that could benefit from similar treatments. Then there’s this building at 147 W Tupper at South Elmwood Avenue that has looked down in the dumps for as long as I can remember. And the surprising thing is, just like 171 Elmwood, there’s limitless potential that could be realized.
The work that has been done so far at 171 Elmwood is a game changer for the block. Instead of being ho-hum, the building is now contributing – aesthetically – to the street… and it’s not even done yet.