Former Saucon Creek Inn: What Should Go There?

The Saucon Creek Inn was once a highly visible casual restaurant along the busy northbound side of Route 309 in Upper Saucon Township.

A May 1997 article by Pat Bosha published by the Morning Call—and now archived online—said the eatery's success strategy at the time was to offer "top-notch food at casual prices."

For years now, however, the restaurant at 5361 Rt. 309, Center Valley, has been closed, and the exterior of the property is displaying signs of disrepair.

On a recent afternoon, delivery trucks could be seen parked in its lot, the drivers apparently having pulled over to make phone calls or take a rest break.

According to Lehigh County tax assessment records, it is currently owned by Gateway Enterprizes Inc. of Brandywine, Md., and has a liquor license.

Yearly property taxes total approximately $9,500.

The restaurant was built in 1971, and the 1.25 acre property was last sold in December 1987 for $269,900, the records indicate.

The property is not currently listed for sale, according to a recent search of the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors' online Multiple Listing Service website.

Given its visibility, plus its proximity to a number of successful Center Valley businesses—including Putt U miniature golf course and The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley—the potential for the property to be successfully redeveloped would seem to be high.

What do you think? Did you ever eat at the Saucon Valley Inn? Would you like to see another restaurant open at this location? Would you prefer to see something else built on the site? Do you see an obstacles to its potential redevelopment? Tell us in the comments.