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

“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)

A New Era for LVPC

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) has entered a new chapter with its custom-designed office space in Allentown’s revitalized waterfront district. Established in 1961, LVPC guides regional growth, blending natural and built environments to enhance quality of life. Their new space reflects a commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and community health while creating a vibrant and inspiring workplace.

Strategic Relocation: A Sustainable Home

Located in The Waterfront, a 29-acre mixed-use development, the new 9,851 s.f. LVPC office embodies smart planning principles. Redeveloped from a former brownfield site, it offers easy access to transit and multimodal transportation. Cost-sensitive decisions saved over $1 million compared to renovating the former office. Its strategic location, tax incentives, and views of the Lehigh River reinforce LVPC’s mission to connect people to place and nature.

Challenges and Requirements

High Density Storage: LVPC is required to maintain an archive of plan submissions and other documents. The system required structural reinforcing of the floor framing.
Provide educational programming and flexible meeting spaces: LVPC required a large conference room with a modern A/V system and lighting controls to host events and programs.
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.
Site Specification: a former brownfield site that exemplifies transformation and sustainability and embodies LVPC’s vision.

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

Project Team: LVPC, led by Becky A. Bradley and Tracy Oscavich, 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 and river-inspired lighting
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.