Last week, Butz had the pleasure of hosting a special on-site event at the Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center to celebrate a major milestone in the project’s construction. The highlight of the day was a behind-the-scenes preview of the stunning heavy timber trusses that are now taking shape—an architectural feature that will define the character and warmth of the new facility.
The event brought together project partners, community leaders, and stakeholders for a guided tour and remarks from the team. It was a moment to reflect on the progress made and the collaborative spirit driving this meaningful community resource forward.
About the Project
Located at Grange Park, the 188,000-square-foot Community Lifestyle Center is designed to be a state-of-the-art hub for health, wellness, and community engagement. When completed in Summer 2026, the facility will include:
- A 130,000-square-foot indoor turf soccer field with a 280-foot clear-span timber roof—one of the longest in North America
- A walking/jogging track, volleyball and basketball courts, and a fitness center
- Multipurpose community rooms, classrooms, lounges, and a cafeteria
- Dedicated spaces for concerts, senior programs, cooking and craft events, and more. The project is a collaboration between Upper Macungie Township, HKA5, StructureCraft, and Alvin H. Butz, Inc., and is supported by founding partners including Air Products, Lehigh Valley Health Network, the Jaindl Family of Companies, and the Butz Family of Companies.
Sustainability and Innovation
A defining feature of the center is its hybrid glulam-steel portal frame trusses, which not only reduce the building’s carbon footprint but also bring a warm, natural aesthetic to the space. The hybrid glulam-steel portal frame trusses span 280 feet above the soccer field, making it among the longest structural timber clear-spans in North America. The turf field is made from 80% recycled materials, and the gym floor is fully recyclable—underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Construction began in September 2024 and continues to progress steadily. With foundation work and infrastructure in place, the superstructure is now rising, and light wood framing will begin this fall.
Butz is proud to be part of a project that reflects the spirit and vision of the Upper Macungie community.
To see photos and coverage of the event, check out the links below:
First look at Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center: Photos
Heavy timber community center rising in Upper Macungie – LVB
