The Masonic Temple is perhaps the remaining architectural wonder of Allentown. The five story Classic Revival building took over two years to construct, opening in 1926. The large ritual meeting rooms are adorned with murals. General Harry Trexler was a Mason, and largely responsible for Allentown's Temple, which is on the list of significant historic buildings. Unfortunately, after almost ninety years, it's future is in jeopardy. It is essentially supported by one large commercial tenant, an accounting firm which rents the office space on the first floor for $10,000 a month. The accountant will be moving into J.B. Reilly's new office tower when completed. The Masons are hoping to find ten smaller tenants for $1000 each to fill the void, or perhaps twelve at $800. The only certain thing is that their good fortune with a large dependable tenant appears to be over. When Pawlowski cuts the ribbon for Reilly's new tenant, he'll be actually pulling the plug on an important part of west Allentown's history. He'll give mouth service that his department of Musical Chairs will help find them a tenant.
Apr 15, 2013
Reilly Gain, Masonic Pain
The Masonic Temple is perhaps the remaining architectural wonder of Allentown. The five story Classic Revival building took over two years to construct, opening in 1926. The large ritual meeting rooms are adorned with murals. General Harry Trexler was a Mason, and largely responsible for Allentown's Temple, which is on the list of significant historic buildings. Unfortunately, after almost ninety years, it's future is in jeopardy. It is essentially supported by one large commercial tenant, an accounting firm which rents the office space on the first floor for $10,000 a month. The accountant will be moving into J.B. Reilly's new office tower when completed. The Masons are hoping to find ten smaller tenants for $1000 each to fill the void, or perhaps twelve at $800. The only certain thing is that their good fortune with a large dependable tenant appears to be over. When Pawlowski cuts the ribbon for Reilly's new tenant, he'll be actually pulling the plug on an important part of west Allentown's history. He'll give mouth service that his department of Musical Chairs will help find them a tenant.
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You are correct, the building has financial problems. All possible efforts to preserve the building are in progress.
ReplyDeleteTo be clear, the NIZ is not the reason for the situation. The CPA firm made a business organization decision to move some time ago. Like Conncanon CPA and Parente CPA there are structural moves being made in the industry.
Any small firm looking for historic office might find this an interesting location.
@9:36, i should clarify that i'm certain that there is no resentment toward the accounting firm by any mason. on the contrary, i believe that they are grateful that they had such a desirable tenant for so long. never the less, Reilly Gain, Masonic Pain sums it up. the move is good for reilly, may be good for the accounting firm, but is bad for the masons and allentown.
ReplyDeleteThe Neighborhood Improvement Zone is too important to too many important people and, therefore, for the greater overall purpose of moving the City Without Limits forward, neither can be permitted to fail.
ReplyDeleteAll neighborhoods and people are important, but some neighboords and some people are, in fact, more important than others.
FRED ROGERS
all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others
ReplyDelete---George Orwell