Corporate Plaza Allentown RIP 1994

15 years ago yesterday, Allentown lost a historic and still loved skate spot, Corporate Plaza.

"The 7-story modern office building known as Corporate Plaza was built in downtown Allentown in 1986. Many local residents regarded it as a landmark achievement in Allentown's downtown revitalization efforts. But that all changed during the early morning hours of February 23, 1994."

Located just before Hamilton on 7th street. If you skated in the Valley in the early 90's you more then likely spent your winters in Corporate Plaza's parking garage. Pre PennSkate, It was a dry spot that hid you from the elements.
The front porch had a 7 set with rounded brick ledges curling off each side primed for nose and tail.The main draw was the parking garage, Complete with a legit manny pad/ledge , small pad to ollie over , and curb cut. It was hidden from sight and only rarely would a cop roll through to kick you out. It was not uncommon to walk there in the snow, shoes and board in backpack, change your kicks and rip.
A fun place when it was filled with skaters and a scary place when you were alone.

"Today, a parking lot sits where Corporate Plaza used to be. Mayor Ed Pawlowski says what the sinkhole was to Corporate Plaza, the site's current owner is to the city of Allentown."