Revitalized 19th Century Building Gets Plaque Denoting History

By Christina Georgiou


A bronze plaque was recently added to the front of the
"Pomeroy Building" noting its long history as the
former William Laubach & Sons Department Store.

It may be known as the "Pomeroy" Building now, but for the majority of its more than 150 years, the newly rehabilitated building at 322-326 Northampton St. housed the Laubach and Sons  Department Store.

The Laubach name is what the building really should be known for, said Easton Mayor Sal Panto on Tuesday afternoon, after a short dedication of a bronze plaque now affixed to the building's front denoting its history.

"It really shouldn't be known as Pomeroy's," he said. "That was just the sign that was left after 37 years of decay."

Tim Laubach, son of the store’s former owner Michael Laubach, was on hand for the plaque's dedication.

Panto said more buildings in Easton's historic Downtown district, which includes the area from the Delaware River to Sixth Street between the Lehigh River and the Bushkill Creek, may also get similar markers denoting their history in the future.

The former department store space has now been converted into a mixed-use building, with 22 apartments  on the second and third floors facing Northampton Street. Restaurants Maxim's 22 and the soon-to-open Cheeburger Cheeburger are on the first floor. Another 24 apartments, offices and a health center run by Easton Hospital occupy the rear portion of the building along Pine Street.

A center portion of the building was removed, and the open space forms a courtyard in the middle.


A postcard image of the Laubach Department store in its heyday, circa 1905.



Pomeroy Gets Green Light for Second Building, Easton Home to

By Christina Georgiou

The second portion of the Pomeroy building redevelopment was given a unanimous nod of approval from the Easton Planning Commission Wednesday evening, and construction work on the back portion of the site is expected to begin in 30 to 45 days.

Developer Mark Mulligan said the 90 percent of the apartments in the front portion of the property have been already leased.

"So the demand in 60 days was great. It even surprised us," Mulligan said.

The second building will include 22 more apartments similar to those on Northampton Street, along with medical and professional offices with some already under agreementwith Easton Hospital, and a small personal training gym in the basement, along with resident storage. That building, which was formerly part of the Northampton Street structure, was detached as part of the redevelopment plan and faces Pine Street.

Mulligan said prices in the second phase of the project are likely to be more expensive.

"We're going to be raising prices," he said. "We have a waiting list of people that want to live in the tower."

The courtyard between what is now two buildings will likely have tables and chairs, but whether they are for residents or will be outdoor seating for a second restaurant on the site is yet to be determined.

Maxim's 22, a new restaurant being opened by the owners of Sette Luna on Ferry Street, has decided they will place their outdoor seating on Bank Street, Mulligan said.

"The configuration of the courtyard will be determined," he added.

Representatives of Easton Home also appeared before the board to discuss a planned expansion of their facilities to include independent living senior apartments. However, as some critical parts of the plan are not yet complete, including stormwater management details, the board didn't vote on the matter, though they said they have no problems with what has been presented so far.

"The project overall meets the criterion...but we're not there yet when it comes to details," said Planning Director Becky Bradley.

The senior living facility's expansion will include two new buildings near the corner of South 10th and Northampton streets, which will adjoin the current assisted living home. A total of 104 one- and two-bedroom apartments, intended for low- to moderate-income seniors age 55 and older, are planned for the site.

Representatives for Presbyterian Senior Living, who owns the facility, said they are seeking the preliminary approval vote to help them get a tax credit application approved, a critical part of the financing they're seeking. The deadline is in October.

The matter is expected to be revisited in September. If the plans cannot be approved by then, they hope to at least get a letter of support for the project's intent from the planning commission, representatives said, adding that municipal support for the project is crucial to their tax credit application being approved.