Easton’s largest-ever apartment building filling up fast
The Confluence, a 274-unit downtown Easton development, opened May 1 and was more than 42% leased by early June, attracting commuters from New Jersey and New York.
Easton‘s newest apartment building recently opened, marking the largest residential building in the city’s history.
Developed in Collaboration between City Center Group of Allentown and Bethlehem’s Peron Development, the Confluence features 274 units including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
The massive apartment building was designed by USA Architects and built by North Star Construction at 140 S. Fourth Street in Easton and after taking in its first tenants on May 1 was more than 42% leased by the start of June.
Tara Anthony, City Center’s new –to-market director, said they expected the building to be popular with renters.
“We started in Easton with the Marquis and that leasing blew out of the water,” Anthony said. “We continue to see strong interest from New Jersey and New York as well as people relocating locally.”
She said the convenience of the apartment building is one of its draws.
It’s right in the downtown, but within a few minutes’ drive to both Route 22 and Interstate 78. It is also next door to the city’s bus terminal. With the site’s close proximity to New Jersey, Anthony said it makes an attractive living option for people commuting to the big city.
“You can have all the amenities you’d find in a bigger city apartment building, but at a much more affordable price,” Anthony said.
However, while the site’s location makes it a great place for commuters, it was also a troublesome spot for developers.
Built on the site of a former hotel that was demolished to make way for an aquarium destination that never came to fruition, the site has a long history of flooding.
Anthony said careful planning went into the design, layout and grading.
She said part of the answer was to build the project on different levels. For example, if you enter from Third Street you’ll be entering the first floor. But if you enter from Fourth Street you’ll be entering the third floor.
There is also a large park at the front of the building that Anthony said was designed to not only be an attractive gateway into the city, but to guard against flooding.
But why did City Center partner with Peron, another well-known urban apartment developer?
“I think we both really saw the need for housing and we had a love for the city. We both wanted to be in it, so why not join forces,” Anthony said. “Easton is just such a vibrant city.”
But Anthony said the apartments’ amenities are also something developers are proud of.
Apartments in the 291,261-square-foot building feature open gourmet kitchens and stainless-steel Energy Star appliances. Each apartment has luxury vinyl-wood plank flooring, stackable washers and dryers, and premium finishes.
The building also provides controlled access, community-wide Wi-Fi, and a dog park, as well as onsite professional management, 24/7 urgent maintenance, and concierge services like pet walking.
Anthony said one of the favorite features so far has been the rooftop resident lounge, which allows tenants to gather and socialize and has fire pits, grills and an outdoor television.
“To be able to be up in that roof space is something people say they really like,” Anthony said.
There is also an indoor lounge area, gym and work-from-home space. The property is pet friendly and offers such concierge services as a dog watch and available dog walking.
The developers are still looking to fill a 4,900-square-foot retail space at the Confluence. There are no specific plans for that space, and Anthony said they would consider any tenant that would offer something of benefit to the community.
Apartments start at $1,495 for studios, $1,825 for one-bedrooms and $2,200 for two-bedrooms.