Lehigh Valley Planning Commission: A Civic Workplace

“It’s a space that fosters creativity and collaboration, supporting our mission to connect people and ideas.” – Tracy Oscavich, LVPC Director of Administration

4/4 FAST FACTS

Project Type:	Interior Fit-Out
Use:	Business, Education, Assembly
Location:	Allentown, PA
Team:	Serfass Construction (CM)

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), founded in 1961 to guide regional growth and development, moved from an office that had become inadequate for their needs to a modern, purpose-driven, collaborative workplace aligned with its mission to support sustainable growth, connect people to place, and promote community health rather than investing in costly renovations requiring a temporary relocation. Executive Director Becky A. Bradley, AICP, and Director of Administration Tracy Oscavich led the relocation to Allentown’s redeveloped waterfront district, a former brownfield site where LVPC, 4/4 Architecture, Serfass Construction, and partners created a civic workplace that promotes innovation and adds long-term value. The 9,851-square-foot office is located within The Waterfront, a 29-acre mixed-use redevelopment by Jaindl Properties, with views of the Lehigh River and Tilghman Street Bridge.

Challenges and Requirements

Inadequate existing office: LVPC operated from an office that had become inadequate for their needs.
Avoid costly renovation: Rather than investing in costly renovations requiring a temporary relocation, LVPC chose a new solution.
Mission alignment: Create a modern, purpose-driven, collaborative civic workplace aligned with its mission to support sustainable growth, connect people to place, and promote community health.
Cost sensitivity and value: Balance cost considerations with the need for a functional, collaborative, and long-term workspace.
Community and regional role: Ensure the space reflects LVPC’s role in guiding regional growth and development.

The conference room – an anchor space – supports both public and internal functions, emphasizing flexibility and engagement. Modular furnishings, high-tech A/V systems, and visual display tools accommodate everything from workshops to formal presentations.

Approach

Leadership: Executive Director Becky A. Bradley, AICP, and Director of Administration Tracy Oscavich led the move to Allentown’s redeveloped waterfront district.
Site selection: Relocated to a former brownfield site that exemplifies transformation and sustainability and embodies LVPC’s vision.
Project team: LVPC partnered with 4/4 Architecture, Serfass Construction, and other collaborators to deliver the project.
Design framework: Human-centered, biophilic design integrating natural materials, colors, and plant life to support health and well-being.
Flexible programming: Conference and meeting spaces designed with advanced A/V systems, movable furniture, and blackout shades to support public and internal use.
Intentional detailing: Design elements reflect LVPC’s mission, including transportation-inspired carpet patterns, river-inspired lighting, and logo-based color references.
Collaboration and execution: Continuous coordination between design and construction teams supported delivery, along with solutions for security, archival storage, and structural requirements.
Cost-conscious strategy: Reuse of existing furniture and selection of durable, sustainable materials to maximize value.

Since opening, the office has been embraced as more than a workspace. It serves as a community hub, hosting meetings, events, and workshops. Staff and visitors appreciate the location’s accessibility and inspiring design..

Results

New workplace: 9,851-square-foot civic workplace located within The Waterfront, a 29-acre mixed-use redevelopment by Jaindl Properties.
Site context: Views of the Lehigh River and Tilghman Street Bridge connect the office to the region’s natural and built environments.
Community function: The office serves as a workplace and a hub for meetings, events, and workshops.
Collaborative environment: Design supports interaction, accessibility, and engagement for staff and visitors.
Mission alignment: The completed civic workplace reinforces LVPC’s commitment to sustainability, growth, and community health.