Seventh Street Now

Monday, July 13, 2009

New Sign for Hosanna Shoppe

Hosanna Shoppe, the relatively new Christian gift shop at 415 N. 7th, just got a tasteful new sign. The sign is the last piece of a major facelift for the whole building, courtesy of Pete Lewnes and his 7th Street Development Committee facade grant program.

hello all - pete here...here's a before shot. When we pulled the failing stucco off the building there was almost no mortar left between the bricks. This building is owned by Heber and Elsa Silva - the live upstairs and run the shop...we need more owners like this in Allentown!

thanks Jeff for the posting!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

New Facade at Casa Latina

Casa Latina's makeover is complete, with the installation yesterday of the classic awning. Casa has long been the city's best Puerto Rican and Dominican eatery, but cramped quarters and garish signage had kept some away. Now there's no excuse.

Pete Again...a Before...

and an almost After...

Sunday, July 5, 2009

New bike shop opens on 7th Street

I heard a rumor about a new bike shop on 7th Street, which I dismissed as wishful hearing. But there it was, on the 100 block--open on July 4th: Madera Bicycle, at 45 N. 7th. I have an old bike I have been meaning to dig out and return to the streets, so I stopped by later in the afternoon. The owner, Juan Madera, had been part-owner of a Manhattan bike shop for 20 years, he said. (A photo of him and Jennifer Lopez is on the wall, complete with a bike he says he fixed for her.) He's extremely nice, and tuned up my bike (and replaced inner tube) in just one day--for only $50.

Madera Bicycle
45 N. 7th St.
484-350-3608

Friday, July 3, 2009

Outdoor seating comes to La Mexican Grill

The outdoor seating renaissance on 7th Street has reached La Mexicana Grill, the dean of Allentown Mexican cuisine at 7th and Gordon St.

Monday, June 8, 2009

25th Annual Community Fest

For a quarter century the St. Luke’s Church has held the 7th Street Community Fest and it was a load of fun. The weather was the best and the festival was a success. The festival was Jun 6, 2009 from 1pm to 6 pm.

There was food and baked goods, entertainment, crafts and games, raffles, balloon artistry, auction, plant sale, used books sale and local community organizations.

Entertaining was DJ ” George”, Street Theatre Alliance, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Gilbert Family Singers, Inner City Tae Kwon Do School, and the St Luke’s Neighborhood Center Step Team. Some of the highlights of the fest were the raffle for a 32” LCD TV and an 8G iPod Touch as well as a “Chinese” Auction of basket and Gift Certificates. Some of the local community organizations who supported the event were the Blood Mobile, the Allentown Police K9 Unit, the Allentown Fire Department, Latino Health Alliance, Allentown Health Bureau, Allentown Recycling Center, Community Action, Development Corp, Housing Association and Development Corp, Community Bike Works, Thrivent Financial Services, and AmeriHealth Mercy.Fun was had by all.

Thanks everyone…hope to see everyone next year.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

URBAN CHILDREN'S GARDEN

Scattered throughout the St. Luke’s Children’s Garden are words and intentions like Grow, Laugh, Live and Love. That is what all people and plants want and need. And the chance to do this is just what the children and a few adults are getting this year from the newly planted urban Children’s Garden. The garden is located behind the St. Luke’s Neighborhood Center here on Seventh Street.

The garden was planted by the youth from the neighborhood under the caring and watchful eye of professional gardener, Bernadette Cozart. Bernie, as we affectionately call her, is passionate about working as a gardener and teaching gardening to children and adults alike. This year the children will learn what it takes to garden and to be a gardener. This is a positive life skill that will last a lifetime and hopefully be passed on for many generations to come.

St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church bought Parks Seafood Restaurant in 1999, renovated the building and opened the neighborhood center. Located at 435 N. 7th Street, St. Luke’s Neighborhood Center is a community neighborhood center open to and supported by the general public, in order to provide facilities, programs and services to individuals and families in this urban setting.