Published July 17. 2025 08:29AM
Members of the press were invited to visit the construction progress of the new Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center at Grange Park recently.
The preview was to highlight the unique construction process including the use of hybrid glulam-steel portal frames that span 280 feet.
This process uses glued laminated timber and steel to provide both strength, durability, weather resistance and visual appeal to the structure.
According to Upper Macungie Township Manager Bob Ibach, the new building will be viewed as a “Town Center” for the residents of the township.
With its four interlocking structures, each provides a different capability including a 133,000 square foot soccer field, two interlocking structures for a basketball court and one entrance/amenity building.
Construction is to be completed in the summer of 2026.
Laura McHugh, board chair of the Upper Macungie Township Community Fund and chief engagement officer for the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, opens the invitation to members of the media to see the construction progress of Upper Macungie Township’s new Community Lifestyle Center recently.Additional photos appear on Page A12.PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
Upper Macungie Township Manager Robert Ibach shares his view on the new township’s community lifestyle center. He said the new building will be viewed as a “Town Center” for the residents of the township.
Kyle Collina, project executive, The Butz Corporation, discusses the progress of the new Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center during a press conference, recently.
Peter Epp, with Structure Craft, a British Columbia firm specializing in manufacturing of hybrid glulam-steel portal frames, speaks about utilizing manufactured timber and steel in the construction of the Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center.
Natalie Seifert, project engineer, Butz Corp., holds an artist’s rendering of the new Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center during a press conference.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDNatalie Seifert, project engineer, Butz Corp., shows the hybrid glulam-steel portal frames in the artist’s rendering and as seen in the structure itself during the new Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center press conference.
The foreground in this photo will eventually be the entrance and reception of the new Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center scheduled to open in the summer of 2026. Members of the media were invited to view the progress of the construction recently.
