History | Coopersburg Exchange — An 1890s Lehigh Valley Landmark

The restored main hall at Coopersburg Exchange, an 1890s landmark

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Est. 1890s · Restored 2025

History you can see, feel, and step inside.

An 1890s silk mill, reborn. For more than 130 years these walls have held Coopersburg's working life — and today they hold yours.

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Coopersburg Roots

A historic venue, renewed for the way we gather today.

Coopersburg Exchange is a Lehigh Valley historic event venue built on local legacy and renewed for the way people gather now. Inside these walls, the building's story is evident in its structure, materials, and craftsmanship — history you can see, feel, and experience, paired with the modern comforts that make a major celebration effortless.

Constructed in the 1890s, the building that is now Coopersburg Exchange has supported our community for over 130 years. Today we continue that story with celebrations that bring your loved ones right to the heart of its legacy.

The Main Hall

130+

Years of History

1890s

Silk-Mill Origins

15,000

Sq Ft Restored

350+

Hanging Lights

The restored 90-year-old mahogany bar with white onyx top

The Historic Bar

The Restoration

Protect what made it distinctive. Bring it forward with care.

Original structure & scale. Preserved, exposed, hand-carved trusses and foundational elements keep the building's industrial identity present.
Surfaces with real history. Original brick and maple floors add warmth, texture, and authenticity to every gathering.
Lighting as architecture. More than 350 hanging lights bring depth to the room while drawing the eye to its height and detail.
A bar with a story. The 90-year-old mahogany main bar, restored from Tuggie's, wears a custom onyx top with lighting that glows warm — a natural gathering point at the heart of the venue.
Flexible spaces. Main venue, second-floor mezzanine with breakout bays, and auditorium support everything from ceremonies to presentations to live music.
Modern essentials, handled. Wi-Fi and A/V keep events running smoothly, with setup and cleanup managed by the venue team.

The Building's Story

A complete timeline.

Researched with the Lehigh County Historical Society, local tax records, and property deeds — the chapters that shaped what Coopersburg Exchange is today.

1890–1930s

The Silk Mill Foundations

Coopersburg Exchange began as a thriving silk mill, where silkworms were raised and silk was spun during America's early manufacturing era. The original 500-pound steel safe — now displayed in our foyer — remains a symbol of strength, protection, and trust. That craftsmanship still defines the space.

1930–1950

Industrial Reuse

As the silk industry declined through the Great Depression, the mill was repurposed for light manufacturing, small-scale fabrication, and storage — and, during the WWII era, played a quiet but vital role in regional production. A chapter of resilience and adaptation.

1950s–1970s

The Sweet Innovation Era

In 1955 the building became part of the Affy Tapple story, as one of the brand's earliest franchise expansions took root in Coopersburg. "The Original Caramel Apple" turned a clever idea into a national tradition — and connected this property to generations of shared memories.

1970s–2019

A Legacy of Craft

For decades the building was home to R T Street Rods Speed Shop, a premier destination for automotive enthusiasts known for high-quality street rods, custom vehicles, and specialty parts — another layer of hands-on excellence in the building's story.

2018–2020s

Renewed for the Way We Gather

In 2018, Elizabeth M. Snyder, Owner & CEO of Main Street Financial Partners, purchased the building with a vision to preserve its legacy while transforming it into an elegant gathering place. Renovated through the challenges of 2020, it emerged as a refined event venue — rooted in history, elevated for modern celebrations.

2025–Now

Restoration Complete

With a newly finished 15,000-square-foot space designed for events and professional use, Coopersburg Exchange officially opened for business — entering its newest chapter as a venue centered on gathering, hospitality, and community connection.

Must-Sees

Details worth noticing up close.

We preserved original structural elements and sourced historic pieces that fit the building's character — connecting today's space to a much longer story.

200+ Years Old

Waldorf Astoria Sconces

Carefully placed lighting from the storied hotel adds character and a distinctive glow to the auditorium experience.

Nearly a Century Old

Philadelphia Academy of Music Seats

Beautifully preserved auditorium seating brings a timeless sense of legacy to every performance and presentation.

Circa 1905

Steinway Model O

A restored Living Room Grand piano that reflects the building's respect for craft, artistry, and enduring quality.

Over 100 Years Later

Our goal isn't to rewrite history — it's to extend it.

Stewardship of legacy. We preserve original details and share the building's story with care, so the past stays present in today's experience.
Hospitality first, always. We're honored to become part of your family's meaningful moments — from first dances to milestone toasts — just as you become part of our history.
New chapters ahead. More ways to gather are coming: additional versatile spaces, a specialty in-house spirit brand, handcrafted cocktails, and community events worth checking the calendar for.

Host Your Chapter Here

The second-floor mezzanine lounge with restored details

The Mezzanine

Good to Know

Historic venue FAQs.

Where is Coopersburg Exchange located?

Coopersburg Exchange is at 232 E Landis Street, Coopersburg, PA 18036 — in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, just off Route 309 and roughly 20 minutes south of Allentown and Bethlehem, with easy access from Bucks and Montgomery counties. Free on-site parking is available.

How does Coopersburg Exchange accommodate different event sizes?

Four distinct spaces flex from intimate to grand. The main venue seats up to 450, the historic auditorium holds up to 180, and the second-floor mezzanine bays suit smaller groups of 30–40 (or 150–200 combined). Reserve a single room or the entire 15,000-square-foot building.

Is this historic event venue accessible to all guests?

Yes. The building is ADA accessible, with elevator access to every floor so guests can move comfortably throughout the venue.

What modern amenities are available?

Wi-Fi, A/V support, two full bars, an on-site kitchen and serving areas, table settings, and a venue team that handles setup and cleanup — historic character with every modern essential.

What kinds of spaces are available in the historic building?

The main event hall, a historic auditorium with built-in theater seating, a second-floor mezzanine with private breakout bays, and two restored bars — including the 90-year-old mahogany main bar topped with programmable-lit white onyx.

Become Part of the Story

Host your celebration in a 130-year-old landmark.

Step into a place where your event becomes part of a longer story. Private tours are available by appointment.

Inquire About Your Date Call 1-800-862-1401