Community, Attractions and Recreation
Though immersed in a history of industry, Allentown has a rich history dating back to the days of America’s infancy, but that doesn’t mean it’s a place without a unique identity.
Recently the city embarked on a downtown revitalization project which includes a new attraction, Lehigh Landing, a multi-purpose complex on former industrial property along the Lehigh River which will be anchored by the America On Wheels Museum. Exhibits will include pieces from the Smithsonian Institution and Mack Trucks, whose headquarters are in Allentown. The Lehigh Landing project also will include a river walk, a tie-in to the Delaware and Lehigh Canal and boating activities along the river.
Other area attractions include: the Albertus Meyers Bridge built in 1912 as a streetcar and inter-urban line. Commonly called the 8th Street Bridge, at the time it was built, it was said to be the largest concrete bridge in the world.
The Allentown Art Museum was built as the First Presbyterian Church in 1902. The north wing, constructed in 1975, was designed by Edgar Tafel, Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous student. A library room from a Frank Lloyd Wright house is part of the permanent display.
The Allentown Symphony Hall was built in the 1890s. In 1912, it was the site of speeches by the Progressive Party candidate Theodore Roosevelt and Democrat Woodrow Wilson. Today it is home of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and is also used by touring theatrical groups.
Homeopathic Healing Art Plaque is a landmark that marks the location of the world's first medical college exclusively devoted to the practice of homeopathic medicine called the North American Academy of Homeopathic Healing Art founded April 1835.
And Trout Hall was the summer home of James Allen, built in 1770 where the son of William and his family sought refuge during the Revolutionary war. In the later part of the 19th century, the home was completely encased in the walls of Muhlenberg College. Trout Hall was restored in 1905 as the first home of the Lehigh County Historical Society.
The City of Allentown offers recreational activities for people of all ages with a number of parks for picnicking, fishing or relaxing. The parks feature fitness trails, swimming, and ice skating and sledding in the winter.
Some area events include Lights In The Parkway, a massive Christmas light display; SportsFest, a sports-themed celebration featuring more than 25 competitive events from boxing and basketball to swimming and skateboarding in parks and sports facilities throughout Allentown in July; the Mayfair Festival of the Arts festival offers more than 200 performing and visual arts events and five days of music, dance, children's activities, crafts and a food; a two-mile Halloween Parade; car shows; the Andy Warhol exhibit; the Allentown Fair; and Civil War Voices: A Walk Among the Dead, to name a few of the major attractions in the community held throughout the year.
As of the 2000 census, the population was 106,632.
Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County.
The median resident age is 34.5 years; the median household income is $32,016; and the median house value is approximately $85,000.