Introduction: A New Era for LVPC
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), founded in 1961 to guide regional growth and development, operated from an office that had become inadequate for their needs. Rather than investing in costly renovations that required a temporary relocation, LVPC chose to create a modern, purpose-driven, and collaborative office. This decision aligned with its mission to support sustainable growth, connect people to place, and promote community health.
Executive Director Becky A. Bradley, AICP, and Director of Administration Tracy Oscavich led the move to a new location in Allentown’s redeveloped waterfront district. This former brownfield site exemplifies transformation and sustainability, embodying LVPC’s vision. The collaborative effort between LVPC, 4/4 Architecture, Serfass Construction, and other partners delivered a space that promotes innovation, engages the senses, and adds long- term value.
LVPC’s new 9,851-square-foot office is situated within The Waterfront, a 29-acre mixed-use redevelopment by Jaindl Properties. With views of the Lehigh River and Tilghman Street Bridge, the setting connects LVPC’s work to the region’s natural and built environments.
Designing for Innovation and Wellness
LVPC’s design process focused on collaboration, cost sensitivity, and community connection. Partnering with 4/4 Architecture, the team embraced biophilic design principles, integrating natural materials, colors, and plant life to promote health and well-being. Architect Gary Lader, principal of 4/4 Architecture explained, “4/4’s approach is rooted in humanism – designing spaces that help organizations reach their potential.”
Key features include:
- Flexible Meeting Spaces: A large conference room with advanced A/V systems supports public meetings, seminars, and events for up to 290 people. Movable furniture and blackout shades ensure adaptability.
- Natural Elements: Curved pendant light fixtures, green tile, stone countertops, and herringbone-patterned flooring reinforce connections to nature, while plants purify the air and enhance comfort.
- Open Layout: Workspaces prioritize collaboration and daylight access, boosting productivity.
- Tactile Features: Linoleum pin walls engage the senses, offering functionality for data display and brainstorming sessions.
“The open floor plan encourages staff to collaborate and work together, and the pin walls give everyone a place to visualize and map out their projects, particularly in the conference room, where the public can get a chance to see the evolution of the work we do,” said Oscavich.
Design elements reflect LVPC’s identity. “All of the designs in our office are very intentional,” said Oscavich. “The carpet has the look of tire tracks that represent the transportation work we do, the meandering curved lighting represents the flow of the Lehigh River just outside our doors, and the wall colors come from the LVPC logo, which represents our connections to the community, our environment, and our transportation network.”
Bringing Vision to Life
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.
Incorporating plants was an important part of the design conversation. The large windows and plant-filled interior contribute to a healthful working environment by bringing in natural light and connecting staff to views of downtown Allentown and the river.
Practical decisions, such as reusing existing furniture and prioritizing sustainable materials, ensured cost efficiency without compromising quality. The design blends professional aesthetics with fiscal responsibility, showcasing LVPC’s stewardship of public resources.
Lessons Learned Through Construction
Collaboration was critical to overcoming challenges during the project’s tight timeline. Regular communication with 4/4 Architecture and Serfass Construction ensured smooth execution. “The constant dialogue helped keep the design aligned with LVPC’s mission,” Lader said.
Security considerations shaped the layout, balancing accessibility with confidentiality. The team separated public spaces, such as the conference room, from private offices through layered access controls, visitor doorbells, and discreet cameras.
Storing LVPC’s extensive archives posed another challenge. With documents requiring a 40-ton storage system, structural reinforcements were added to support the weight, demonstrating the team’s proactive problem-solving.
Even the carpeting required precision. Replicating the previous office’s custom design involved careful coordination. “Every piece had to be positioned exactly, which extended installation but preserved the intended look,” said Vincent Salvatoriel, President of Stategix Consulting and Jaindl Properties’ representative.
Serfass Construction’s familiarity with the building expedited problem-solving. “We assisted with pricing and kept the process on track despite tight deadlines,” said Matthias Fenstermacher, Vice President of Serfass Construction.
Cost-Sensitive Design That Adds Value
Balancing style and budget remained a priority throughout construction. Strategies such as reusing furniture and prioritizing durable, sustainable materials maximized value while minimizing costs. The result is a collaborative office that attracts talent, promotes health, and serves the community.
“We were tasked with creating a space that looks really nice but is a public entity with a budget. There’s a fine balance between making it look great without wasting taxpayer dollars. We wanted to attract talent, and this is a beautiful building. I think Gary and his team did a fantastic job managing that process,” Fenstermacher said.
A Hub for Community and Discovery
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.
“Staff love biking to work, and visitors are blown away by the site’s beauty,” Oscavich said. “It’s become a go-to meeting space for community partners.”
The design encourages discovery and interaction through details like curved lighting and plant-filled interiors. “It’s a space that fosters creativity and collaboration, supporting our mission to connect people and ideas,” Oscavich added.
Looking Forward
LVPC’s new collaborative office embodies its commitment to sustainability, growth, and community health. With flexible work areas, collaborative spaces, and biophilic design, it promotes productivity and well-being.
The project reflects LVPC’s dedication to breaking barriers and fostering inclusive planning. “The space signals that everyone counts and has a voice,” Oscavich said.
The office positions LVPC to shape the Lehigh Valley’s future, serving as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and connection to place.
Looking to create a collaborative office that is functional and supports your mission and vision? Contact us at gary@44architecture.com to schedule a consultation today!
