Allentown National Bank

Allentown National Bank

Company type	Bank (historical)
Industry	Banking
Founded	1905
Fate	Vacated in mid-1950s; redeveloped into senior housing in early 2000s
Headquarters	Allentown, Pennsylvania , United States
Products	Banking services (historical)

Allentown National Bank, initially known as the Allentown Bank, is a notable historic banking edifice situated on Centre Square in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1905, this eight-story building features a steel frame combined with masonry, exemplifying the Beaux-Arts design.

After being left unused during the 1990s, it underwent redevelopment in the early 2000s to become independent living apartments tailored for senior residents.

In 2005, the structure earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

The building was conceived by Allentown-based architects Jacoby, Weishampel & Biggin in the Beaux-Arts tradition and stands as the sole downtown commercial building predating 1920 that remains preserved in its original form.

Construction commenced on August 12, 1903, with the steel framework finalized by May 7, 1904. Steel components were provided by Guerber Engineering from Bethlehem; stone masonry was executed by Carlucci Stone Co. of Scranton; and concrete ceilings were installed by Roebling Construction Co., a firm established by the family responsible for the Brooklyn Bridge. Tragically, one worker lost his life during construction in February 1904.

The Allentown Bank officially opened its doors on March 15, 1905, equipped with a contemporary telephone exchange linked to regional networks and featuring two hydraulic elevators recognized for their safety.

A prominent feature was its expansive dome rising 32 feet above the rotunda, supported by six onyx columns and adorned with carvings crafted by local sculptor Herman Merkel. The rotunda is no longer visible from street level.

Following federal re-chartering in 1934, the institution was renamed Allentown National Bank. It continued operations at this location until the mid-1950s when it became First National Bank. In 1959, banking activities relocated to a new facility at Seventh and Hamilton—on the site previously occupied by the Allen Hotel—and the original building was subsequently vacated. First National Bank later merged with Meridian Bank during the 1980s.

The bank's 1959 building remained empty until its demolition in 2012 to make way for the Two City Center project. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the original Allentown National Bank structure accommodated various enterprises and housed the Allentown Business School before being abandoned again in the early 1990s.

Current use

In 2002, Pennrose Properties Inc., based in Philadelphia, purchased the property and transformed its upper stories into independent living apartments designed for seniors.

This redevelopment also incorporated the neighboring former Trojan Powder Company building (constructed in 1912), involving comprehensive environmental cleanup, structural reinforcement, restoration of historic interior features, and removal of non-original elements. The endeavor restored eleven floors of the Trojan Powder building alongside eight floors of the Allentown National Bank structure into a total of 63 residential units and shared community areas.

Reopened in 2007 under the name Allentown Center Square Senior Housing, it offers sixty-three one-bedroom apartments for individuals aged 62 and older. Units average approximately 548 square feet with rents up to $469 per month; one efficiency apartment measures 395 square feet with a monthly rent of $375. Nearly half of these residences are allocated for tenants earning up to 60% of the area’s median income. Amenities include a fitness center, computer lab, community gathering space, and a medical examination room. Leasing commenced in April 2006 and achieved full occupancy within eight months.

See also

• Dime Savings and Trust Company
• List of historic places in Allentown, Pennsylvania