BETHLEHEM, PA — After six months, the teardown of the Walnut St. parking garage in downtown Bethlehem is nearly complete, as tens of major construction projects are underway throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Demolition of the nearly 50-year-old structure began in January 2024. It was temporarily halted on February 23rd when a section of the deck unexpectedly collapsed, causing a beam to strike the roof of the nearby Paysom house, which houses multiple retail businesses.
Vollers resumed work on March 11th with additional safeguards, including more supports and barricades. No other incidents have occurred since then, and the project is progressing according to schedule.
The site will house a brand-new parking deck with a smaller horizontal footprint, estimated to measure 10 feet taller than the original. An additional plot of land west of the new deck will support zoning for the future construction of another mixed-use structure. Plans for the new deck include around 6,000 square feet of retail space.
Some residents and the HARB (Historic Architecture Review Board) were concerned that the increase in height would taint the skyline from specific vantage points in the city.
HARB requested a recommendation of denial, but the city’s approval ultimately overruled their request. BPA and related commissions have weighed these opinions, and their analysis shows that the planned project results in the most optimal use of the space.
The old structure had 770 available spots and a high vacancy rate, as it rarely reached maximum capacity. The new proposal lists 517 parking spaces, slashing the total number by 33%.
Plans posted to the BPA website show an estimated completion date of 2025 in time for the holiday shopping season.
