According to Lehigh County public records, the new owner paid$3.9 million for the property, which is located on a 6.5-acre site.Victor Kelly, Larken's EVP, declined to say how much the companyplans to invest. Approvals have been obtained, and site work willbegin this spring.

Plans call for some demolition and construction of four newfreestanding buildings, one of which will include drive-throughspace for potential use by a bank branch. The largest existingbuilding will remain and be reconfigured. An existing Family Dollarstore, which has a long-term lease, will remain. Targeted newtenants include restaurants, a dry cleaner and medical offices. "Weare also considering the addition of a day care center," Kellysays.

Melanie Stocker in the local office of Conshohocken-based LegendProperties represented Larken in the sales transaction. JamesBalliet in the same office represented the seller, identified asAllentown Shopping Plaza Inc.