In a visit to Catasauqua March 20, U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th, announced the borough would receive $3,683,000 to support the redevelopment of the Iron Works project on Front Street.

Located on the site of the historic Crane Iron Company, the funding Mackenzie secured will come from a federal transportation, housing and urban development appropriations package.

“Today’s investment is going to help ensure that Catasauqua will get the ‘Main Street’ that it deserves and our communities get the new housing that they are counting on,” Mackenzie said. “It is really going to revitalize and change the nature of this town. This is what we can do when we work together with all of our different partners in a bipartisan fashion.”

Mackenzie also took time to tour the property with borough officials, current and former Lehigh County officials and the project developers and consultants.

“It’s a complete game-changer,” Glenn Eckhart, borough manager, said. “This is going to completely change the look of Catasauqua forever. It is truly going to be a ‘Main Street,’ which we can all be proud of.”

Work on the project started more than a decade ago when the borough developed a master plan for the property and hired Chad Helmer, consultant of Taggart Associates and now the Helmer Company, to help implement the plan.

“I want to recognize the borough’s dedication to this project,” Helmer said. “It has not always been the easiest path. These projects are never easy, and they are never fast. I compliment the borough for sticking with it.”

Catasauqua subdivided the borough hall property on the site as part of the plan and, after several attempts to sell the Ironworks portion, the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County was brought back to life specifically to support the project.

“I want to acknowledge former (Lehigh) County Executive (Phil) Armstrong for his leadership in reactivating the redevelopment authority,” Chris Gulotta, RALC director, said. “Our strength as an agency is brokering partnerships between the public and private sectors with the objective of maximizing outcomes in terms of jobs created, business development and increasing the tax base of municipalities so they can continue to provide basic services for residents. We are doing that with this project.”

After requesting proposals to develop the site, VM Development Group was chosen as the developer.

“Our vision is to transform this historic industrial property into a modern, mixed-use development that brings new businesses, housing and commercial activity to the community,” Gretchen Rice, partner with VM Development Group, said.

The goal is to generate jobs and investment, while honoring the site’s historic integrity, Rice added.

The current plan for the 10.62-acre site includes a blend of residential and commercial spaces, along with public spaces and a connection to the D&L Trail.

Work will occur in two phases. The first phase, officials said, will include renovation of the current depot building and construction to generate approximately 60 apartment units and 10 to 12 townhomes. Meanwhile, the second phase will include additional commercial space and more townhomes.

“Everybody here is going to be playing a part in this project going forward,” Mackenzie said. “I look forward to continuing to work with all of you as we continue to make Catasauqua an even better place to live and work.”

Construction on phase one of the project is expected to begin in spring 2027, though officials said they want to begin as soon as possible.

Additionally, the borough has received funds to work on a retaining wall and support streetscape work on Front Street.