I enjoyed reading this Mcall piece about the PPL building in Allentown: PPL manager takes special care of landmark building.

Got me thinking about growth & development here in Lower Mac. Are projects being built now in Lower Mac being built to last? Will our built environment stand the test of time like the PPL building has? For nearly a century the tower has stood as a local landmark. It’s a symbol of pride and creates a sense of place.

Histories Headlines: PPL Tower was architects ‘sculpted mountain’ – WFMZ

Do we still build landmarks? Here is an example: Is this project going to stand the test of time. In 100 years will it serve as a focal point of our community? (Hamilton Crossings) HC is billed as the “gateway to the township”. Does it deserve that pedestal? In 100 years will people feel a sense of pride when they look at Hamilton Crossings?

Will it even still stand in 75? How about 40 years? I for one doubt it. In fact, I would bet Hamilton Crossings will still be the beneficiary of tax abatement long after it’s deteriorated into another dated strip relic. Box commercial is notorious for it’s short lifespan.

What do you think? Why do we not build projects we can proud of here? Other suburbs value their built environment. Why don’t we get commercial development “built to last” here? What are we doing wrong? Is it because we don’t demand it? Is it because we are shortsighted and in 20 years we’ll pay the price when people flock to places that did care?

Photo: Artist John Epler’s winning 2008 Holiday Card for Allentown. Features the PPL building in downtown Allentown. The painting is titled “Shades of Winter.”

Will this building stand the test of time? Will it even be standing still in 20 years? The lifespan of strip box commercial is notoriously short. Will it even last the length of the TIF used to fund it?

Built to last? Or another strip eyesore in 20 years?