Bethlehem developer buys Easton building, plans 30 apartments

Architectural image courtesty of Howard Kulp Architects of Allentown. The firm designed an apartment project in Easton for Bethlehem developer Dennis Benner.

Now that Bethlehem developer Dennis Benner purchased a five-story office building in downtown Easton, he is looking forward to bringing more upscale residential units to the city.

Benner purchased the Wells Fargo building at 6 South Third St., across from the Alpha Buildingand Centre Square for $1.6 million.

“We see Easton as an exciting, vibrant, emergent city and that building is home plate,” Benner said. “We are going to do some upgrades of the exterior and convert it into 30 apartments.”

These apartments will be similar to those found in a metropolitan city, Benner said. In addition to creating large windows, high ceilings and open floor plans for the apartments, Benner said he also plans to add a roof top garden for residents.

“It’s not just about building buildings, it’s about sustainability,” Benner said. “A lot of the millennials, young professionals, empty nesters, they want a space to be outside.”

Monthly rents will be $1,000 for one-bedroom units and $1,200 to $1,300 for two-bedroom units.

Wells Fargo has been a longtime tenant and he is hoping the company will stay on the first floor. Several other businesses are located in the building, including an evaluation and referral services office for Lehigh Valley Drug Intake. It is unclear if they will stay.

The apartments will be called ONE 6 Flats.

Before he can move forward, Benner said he still needs several city approvals, including approval from the city’s historic commission.

Howard Kulp Architects of Allentown is the architectural firm for the project.

Source: LVB