Streetscape project revives Pennsylvania city’s historic beauty
No1: The Lebanon Streetscape Project ribbon cutting was in April, achieving a valuable piece of the city’s Downtown Vision Strategy that had first been elaborated in 2010. (Photo provided by Lebanon, Pa.) 
No2: To add to the historic flavor of the Lebanon streetscape, stamped concrete was dyed red and antiqued to resemble traditional brick sidewalks. (Photo provided by Lebanon, Pa.) 
No3: Among the architectural features that were preserved for the Lebanon, Pa., Streetscape Project were Victorian light posts. The addition of hanging baskets brought vibrant color to the scene. (Photo provided by Lebanon, Pa.) 
No4: Mayor Sherry Capello said she toured a number of cities to learn ways to enhance the city’s downtown main street and found Easton, Pa., had the aesthetic Lebanon wanted to achieve. Pictured is Lebanon’s updated streetscape. (Photo provided by Lebanon, Pa.)
As part of a 2016 Economic Development plan, Lebanon officials took on a multi-year project that focused on the lagging downtown area of this city in eastern Pennsylvania.
Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello explained that “the idea for the Streetscape Project began in 2019, as city officials recognized the need to revitalize the core of Lebanon’s business district along Cumberland Street, which is U.S. Route 422.”
Lebanon’s roots date back to the 1720s, when the area about 20 miles east of Harrisburg, the state capital, was settled by German immigrants. The city’s original name was Steitztown, after founder George Steitz. Its early claim to fame was Lebanon bologna, a smoked, fermented, and cured beef sausage that was created by the Pennsylvania Dutch in the early 1800s and is still available today. Later, the city became home to the second-largest steel producer, Bethlehem Steel.
The plan for downtown focused not only on the rich history of the city but on the convenience of both its residents and visitors. The first step was taken in 2022, when Lebanon City Hall moved from its longtime location on the edge of the city to Cumberland Street in the heart of downtown. The move was the result of a $2 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The downtown revitalization plan added beauty to convenience by moving the best of Lebanon’s history into a new era. The focus area, from 4th Street to 12th Street, is a key two-lane route that is the backbone of downtown commerce and community activity. In addition to safety concerns about the roadway, Capello said the sidewalks, curbing, lighting, and street trees along that stretch had deteriorated over the decades. City officials decided it was time to improve the pedestrian experience and safety and enhance the downtown’s appeal as an attractive place to live, work, shop, and visit.
Over the 16-block area that covered both sides of the street, all the sidewalks and curbs were replaced, and beauty strips were constructed using decorative stamped concrete dyed red with an antique finish to resemble the traditional historic brick structures nearby.
“The iconic Victorian-style light posts were refurbished, with additional new posts installed to expand coverage. All dead or diseased street trees were replaced, and electric receptacles were added to each tree well,” Capello said. “This was added as a thoughtful feature that allows for tree lighting and easy access to power for downtown events.”
Part of the goal was to create a calming atmosphere for pedestrians as well as a safe one for motorists. That included four curb bump outs and two crosswalks with flashing beacons, making crossing Cumberland Street safer and more inviting.
There were a few hitches along the way that hearkened to the city’s nearly 250-year history. For example, properties along Cumberland Street had coal chutes and basements that extended under the sidewalks. These areas required 21st century solutions in order to stabilize them. In addition, a couple of blocks needed stormwater drainage improvements to solve persistent flooding issues.
Capello said an additional challenge was the tight deadline established by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, which was set to complete the fourth and last phase of a multiyear paving project on Cumberland Street.
“All curbing had to be completed in time for the paving to proceed. Thanks to close coordination and diligent work by the construction crew, all curbing was finished on schedule.”
Capello added that applying for funding to accomplish the Streetscape Project began in 2019 and continued until it was secured in 2022.
In addition to the earlier grant for the relocation of city hall, the Streetscape Project was funded with a combination of grants and local resources that included a $100,000 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Grant. The rest of the funding was from the city’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The more-than-$5-million construction contract was awarded to Doug Lamb Construction of Elizabethtown, Pa. Steckbeck Engineering and Surveying of Lebanon led the engineering and design work.
Community partnerships helped put finishing touches on the revitalization. The Community of Lebanon Association, for example, purchased and installed hanging flower baskets and planters for colorful seasonal plantings. The city also dedicated a summer maintenance employee to focus completely on beautification efforts such as watering flowers, sweeping sidewalks, removing litter, pulling weeds and painting existing fixtures to blend in with the streetscape’s Victorian aesthetic, the mayor added.
In addition to safety and beauty, the revitalization provided a better infrastructure for supporting events and activities in the heart of downtown Lebanon.
Capello’s advice to other municipalities considering a downtown revitalization project is to be persistent in seeking funding, as well as engaging the community early and often and planning ahead to ensure coordination with other infrastructure projects.
“While construction in any downtown area is disruptive, the city worked hard to communicate and coordinate with property owners and businesses throughout the process,” she said. Many Lebanon business owners not only expressed support and gratitude for the improvements but have also recognized their long-term value.
“Residents and visitor alike have praised the beautiful, welcoming streetscape as an important investment in Lebanon’s future and a visible commitment to revitalizing the downtown.”
Future plans for improvements include a pedestrian minipark that will transform a little-used walkway into a public green space with greenery, lighting, archways and seating. That project should be completed late this summer. Planning has also started for the city’s first parking garage, which will serve the long-term parking needs of downtown residents, employees and visitors. Finally, Lebanon is launching a Downtown Strategic Plan in partnership with Retail Strategies, a consulting firm, to identify action items, recruit businesses, support existing businesses and guide further development of the downtown area.
Capello, who has been mayor since 2010, expressed her delight in the downtown project, saying, “the Lebanon City Streetscape Project exemplifies what’s possible when a municipality commits to improving its public spaces, even in the face of challenges.”
She noted that the project “showcases how historic character, thoughtful planning and modern functionality can come together to create a vibrant and welcoming downtown core, building momentum for future investments and ensuring downtown Lebanon remains a destination for generations to come.”
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