Bethlehem Works Headquarters Officially Opened
For Immediate Release
Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax
BETHLEHEM, Pa., August 27, 1997 -- Headquarters for Bethlehem Works, the revitalization project of Bethlehem Steel's property, were officially opened today on East Third Street on Bethlehem's South Side.
"A Renaissance is happening on the entire South Side, with the Bethlehem Works headquarters and Lehigh University's Discovery Center of Science and Technology anchoring the eastern end of Third Street and commercial development including the Comfort Suites and the Banana Factory, aided by the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, at the western end of the street," said Stephen G. Donches, vice president of public affairs for Bethlehem Steel and the steelmaker's executive in charge of redevelopment of the South Side tract.
The Bethlehem Works headquarters building, located at 530 E. Third Street in a building purchased in 1996 by Bethlehem Steel from CoreStates Bank, "establishes a presence on the South Side for Enterprise Development Company and gives Enterprise staff working on the Bethlehem Works project easy access to the site," Mr. Donches explained.
Enterprise Development Company of Columbia, Md., has been retained by Bethlehem Steel to manage the redevelopment of the site. As master developer, Enterprise Development will provide the expertise to enable public and private parties to develop the 160 acres between the Fahy and Minsi Trail Bridges. Enterprise was represented at today's headquarters opening by Robert F. Barron Jr., president and chief operating officer.
Also sharing space in the Bethlehem Works building will be staff for the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH), a new not-for-profit museum corporation that would exhibit industrial artifacts loaned by the Smithsonian Institution.
Mr. Donches said that momentum for the Bethlehem Works project, including the NMIH, is gaining "because of the confidence and support displayed by public officials, including Bethlehem's Mayor Ken Smith and members of City Council. We ask for their continued support to develop this very promising public/private partnership that will benefit the entire community."
Mayor Ken Smith spoke on behalf of the citizens of Bethlehem and highlighted the advantages of public and private interests working together to revitalize the area.
The ceremony ended with the unveiling of the Bethlehem Works signage on the headquarters building. Bethlehem Works banners have also been placed on existing poles along East Third Street.
The name and logo Bethlehem Works symbolize the traditional use of the property and the new opportunities that await this destination attraction.