Our Mission
The mission of Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is to proactively develop and manage strategic business projects for the benefit of Allentown, its citizens and the Lehigh Valley. Incorporating the adaptive reuse and recycling of existing buildings and infrastructure is an important goal of AEDC's urban development strategy. Formed in 1979 as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, AEDC is controlled by a volunteer board of directors comprised of business and community leaders. AEDC is a non-profit economic development organization in the Lehigh Valley.
AEDC works closely with the City of Allentown's Department of Economic Development and partners with many organizations to support development initiatives by removing blighted properties, stabilizing neighborhoods and attracting new job opportunities by expanding commercial enterprise within the community.
Over the years AEDC has worked closely with the City of Allentown and Lehigh County on many projects. These have included the America On Wheels Museum on Lehigh Landing, the redevelopment of a brownfield site into a newly constructed industrial building, Bridgeworks by the Creek Industrial Center, and the assemblage of real estate to facilitate the development of class A office buildings such as PPL Plaza and the Butz Building. Many of AEDC's projects capitalize on the benefits of Pennsylvania Enterprise Zone (EZ) and the Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) Programs. These programs offer specific benefits and powerful incentives. AEDC also runs the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, an industrial center and a small business incubator facility located in the former Mack Truck manufacturing site.
AEDC is dedicated to the development and execution of comprehensive community-based plans for improving Allentown.
More Information
Opening a Business?
Interested in opening a business in Allentown? AEDC administers many loan and incentive programs to support emerging businesses and through our business incubator, the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center. Call Lewis Edwards, Director of Enterprise Development at 610-770-1015 to see if any of these programs may benefit your business.
Need Industrial Space?
AEDC presently offers several options to people needing industrial space and willing to consider Allentown. All of these properties are located in the Keystone Opportunity Zone and carry benefits of being in the Enterprise Zone as well. Programs and Benefits
1. The Bridgeworks Industrial Center by the Creek ready for fit out now! This beautiful new industrial property offers 42,500 s.f. of newly constructed shell space in a 87,500 s.f. building for sale. Well located to Routes 78 and 22, with clear ceiling height of 24' and column spacing of 40' x 40', and located in a Keystone Opportunity Zone (making it state and local TAX FREE until December 31, 2010!) this space won't be available long.
2. The Bridgeworks Enterprise Center offers below market rents in a business incubator setting to young businesses for three or five years. Call 610-770-1015 for more information.
3. AEDC manages The Bridgeworks Industrial Building on S. Tenth Street in Allentown, between Lehigh Street and Martin Luther King Blvd. At various times, industrial space
Bridgeworks Industrial Building 48,000 s.f. Available Space
Bridgeworks Industrial Building 24,000 s.f. Available Space