ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Scottish Rite Cathedral in west Allentown is undergoing a makeover — a project that looks set for a huge injection of cash.
An Allentown City Council committee on Wednesday recommended the full body accept a $1 million state grant to cover a renovation project at the longtime community service center at 1533 Hamilton St.
Upon final approval, that money would be passed on to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Lehigh Consistory, which is “just about done” with the project, according to Mark Hartney, Allentown’s deputy director of community and economic development.
"I think they are most worthy of this grant money."Daryl Hendricks, City Council president
The organization applied for funding from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program using Allentown as a pass-through agency.
The Scottish Rite Cathedral “is an integral part of the community,” City Council President Daryl Hendricks said Wednesday night.
It is on the National Register of Historic Places and holds many ceremonies and events for Allentown police, firefighters and community groups.
“It’s been a very critical part of the community and served us very well in the past,” Hendricks said. “I think they are most worthy of this grant money.”
