Our Vision
A Walkable Downtown Community
The Iron Works has the potential to become a mixed-use property featuring dining, shopping, and residential space in Catasauqua.
Conceptual renderings include:
- Wide, tree-lined sidewalks
- Highlighted reuse of previous rail lines and tunnel
- Streetscape elements consistent with the adjacent downtown
- Open-air plaza to accommodate gatherings, markets, and festivals
For a full listing of approved uses see Catasauqua Borough Code, Chapter 280, which details the associated Waterfront District.
Crane Buildings
The existing historic Crane Plant buildings can be adapted into interesting, and cost effective structures conducive to residential or office use.
Their features include:
- Attractive location along canal
- Unique interior space with the possibility for exposed structure, loft setting
- Buildings will be visible from Front Street with removal of high brush
A New Home for Borough Services
The new municipal complex will houses Catasauqua’s fire department, police department, and borough offices. This building is located at the corner of Front and Bridge Streets at the gateway to the Iron Works site. It’s prominent location serves as the borough’s new public face, showing not only the borough’s commitment to its residents and downtown district but to the future of this project.
The Canal As A Connection
The former Delaware and Lehigh Canal, which traverses the site’s Southwestern border, has been schematically identified as a storm water management area. It also serves as a connection to the surrounding region, the site’s history, and to the natural world.
When complete, the trail will extend north to Mountaintop and White Haven and to New Hope and Bristol in the south. In the Lehigh Valley, the trail runs through downtown Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The towpath will provide residents of Catasauqua with a beautiful setting for exercise and even the means for a more sustainable form of travel throughout the region.
