Iron Works Catasauqua

10/11/2024

Another 11-acre industrial redevelopment effort... many long years in the making (JUST like Iron Works!). This sales agreement was between Easton and VM - the same developer in negotiations with The Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County to acquire and develop IW.

Easton City Council approved a $1.5 million sale for the former Easton Iron and Metal site to VM Development Group, with the developer planning to build housing and commercial space.

07/15/2024

From July 15 Catasauqua Borough Council Meeting:
Following a meeting between the RDA and IW Advisory Committee (and a numerical grading of 2 proposals received), VM Development was chosen as the awardee. RDA to begin discussions/negotiations w/ VM in Aug.

Transforming faded urban treasures into catalysts for revitalization, renewal, and community growth. VM Development Group specializes in adaptive reuse and new construction partnerships in urban environments.

06/12/2024

Iron Works RFP Update: The Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County received 2 submissions by the June 10 deadline. Review process to follow.

04/09/2024

Look how close the Iron Works site is to the D& L Trail and the Lehigh River!! Ecotourism is key in turning things around and will bring in revenue if people start to make the connection. THIS is the boost that our downtown needs.

04/01/2024

In a surprise move today, the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County has revealed stunning plans for Iron Works presented by a developer even before the June 10th RFP deadline! This one ticks all the boxes!

03/28/2024

The historical legacy and future redevelopment of Catasauqua's Iron Works was part of Business View Magazine's feature on Catasauqua! Links below:

https://businessviewmagazine.com/catasauqua-pennsylvania-lehigh-county/ (webpage)

https://businessviewmagazine.com/civil-municipal/mar-2024/3/ (virtual magazine)

Business View explores Catasauqua's rich historical heritage, economic challenges, and community revitalization efforts, showcasing the town's journey from past glory to a promising future.

03/26/2024

Jeff Speck, who literally "wrote the book" on urban planning, gives his expert opinion on Catasauqua Borough Council's 1-way vote on X (formally Twitter)!

https://x.com/JeffSpeckFAICP/status/1770875345878860190?s=20

Learn more about Jeff Speck here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Speck
https://www.speckdempsey.com/
https://www.ted.com/speakers/jeff_speck

03/26/2024

After a 5-1 vote, Catasauqua Borough Council has decided to revert Front St., Catasauqua to 1-way along nearly all of the Iron Works frontage. Morning Call article covering this decision:

The change should be made by June.

03/21/2024

THIS is what successful "adaptive redevelopment" looks like! Development fostered by thoughtful and intentional investors, developers, leaders, and residents. The honoring of history's footprints on the path to our future's potential! Not simply to "get the land sold," but to achieve a VISION that can REVITALIZE and IMPROVE the quality of life for an entire community. It's possible. For Catasauqua, that possibility is Iron Works.

What has happened there is called “adaptive redevelopment,” combining elements of old and new. With bricks and mortar and careful planning, the process has turned a tiny …

03/19/2024

The latest from the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County...

Iron Works RFP has been reissued, after discussions with multiple developers on how to revise and streamline the process and requirements!

Due date for new proposals is June 10.

Another pre-proposal conference to address any remaining developer questions is planned for March 28.

Read the latest RDA meeting minutes here:

01/21/2024

If you aren't quite sure what all the talk about "brownfield" development means, here is a great primer from the PA DEP. It provides an overview of how the vast potential at sites like Catasauqua's Iron Works can be unlocked:

https://files.dep.state.pa.us/EnvironmentalCleanupBrownfields/BrownfieldRedevelopment/BrownfieldRedevelopmentPortalFiles/Brownfield_Development_Guide.pdf

PA even offers an online, searchable database of brownfield sites, but Catasauqua Iron Works is currently absent. Check it out here: https://properties.zoomprospector.com/pa (hint: Click the blue "All Fiters" button, then check "Brownfield" to narrow the results!)

01/18/2024

An update on Iron Works was provided by Chris Gulotta, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County (RALC), at the public meeting held January 18, 2024!

Summary:

Unfortunately, no Iron Works developer proposals were received (in response to the RFP) from developers by the Jan 12 deadline.

The RALC IW advisory committee has already begun discussing "next steps."

Within the next 2 weeks, the advisory committee plans to meet with the interested developers (specifically those that attended the Nov. 14 pre-proposal meeting at Borough Hall) to understand the roadblocks/concerns that prevented submittals. Two such calls are already scheduled. Chad Helmer, who has provided invaluable input to the Iron Works project since it began, is involved.

The result of those meetings will be a revised RFP that the RALC plans to issue within 30 days, by February.

Ricky Gower, RALC Secretary, asked if Chris Gulotta had experienced anything like this in the past. His answer was that it isn't unprecedented. He indicated it's just a matter of the RFP needing some adjustment to properly attract developers. He indicated it could come down to incentives, zoning, etc.

Stay up-to-date on RALC and Iron Works at:

https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Community-Economic-Development/Redevelopment-Authority-of-Lehigh-County

Meetings are public and held monthly! Agendas and minutes are posted on the webpage.

The Official Website for the County of Lehigh, Pennsylvania Lehigh County Government Center 17 South 7th Street Allentown, PA 18101 General Information 610-782-3000

11/15/2023

In case you missed the Iron Works meeting yesterday-

11/14/2023

Iron Works meeting today @1:00
Open to the public-

Potential developers can now submit their ideas for purchasing and redeveloping the Iron Works site in Catasauqua into a mixed-use development.

11/03/2023

"You have to find ways to do things out of the box."
https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/cattys-iron-works-project-ready-for-developers/article_64bc19fc-7996-11ee-baff-9f3ab8fcdd48.html?fbclid=IwAR36Dp5bsp1l8MQam_0ff9ZkjFORZhpVTbgN3IRvlCe6Sk8tgOw4oOGVHbw

The long dormant Iron Works redevelopment project took a step forward Thursday morning when the LRCA board approved a request for proposal seeking developers.

10/26/2023

Much like Taylor House Brewing is right off of the D & L Trail in Catty, this new LV brewery is just 2 miles away and it "borders the Ironton Rail Trail, making the brewery's future location a convenient pit stop for individuals biking and walking along the pathway."

https://www.wfmz.com/features/eat-sip-shop/lehigh-valley-brewery-nearing-completion-of-new-taproom-production-facility/article_d63e01b0-70f6-11ee-8fad-4f1622441ac1.html?fbclid=IwAR3KikFHJCm57tCIpsBpwNOPl0_dQLdzxpV-bJTg6uM-zaa3Wikv-Dzj--o

A brewery that's been making beer inside a barn near New Tripoli, Lehigh County, is reaching new heights with a stately and scenic taproom and production facility in Whitehall Township.

10/10/2023

Cool idea....

The Warehouse District Beer Garden