Bethlehem Steel completes sale of the Historic Lukens Main Office Building to Huston Properties, Inc.
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
For Immediate Release
Coatesville, Pa. - January 13, 2000 - Bethlehem Steel Corporation announced today that it had completed the sale of the historic Lukens Main Office Building at 50 South First Avenue in Coatesville, Pa., to Huston Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust.
In announcing the sale, Bethlehem Steel�s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Curtis H. Barnette, said, "At the time Bethlehem acquired Lukens Inc., we said that we would be a good neighbor and be supportive of this community. So, when the decision was made to consolidate division staff at the ARC Building, recognizing the significance of the Main Office, we wanted to make sure that it would be in the hands of an owner who would treasure it, care for it and share it with the community. We are very pleased that the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust will own and care for this magnificent edifice. We wish the Huston family great success."
The building was constructed in 1902 as company headquarters for Lukens Iron & Steel Company. Abram Francis Huston, president of Lukens, retained Philadelphia architects Cope & Stewartson to design the Main Office. The Georgian structure is one of four historic buildings designating the Lukens Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.
At a public event following the closing, Stephen G. Donches, Bethlehem�s vice president of public affairs, said, "Bethlehem acquired this remarkable building when we merged with Lukens Inc. to form Bethlehem Lukens Plate on May 29, 1998.
"The company buildings and homes along South First Avenue represent a tremendous historical resource for Coatesville and the American steel industry. Iron and steelmaking have occurred here since 1810, making our Coatesville operation the oldest, continuously operating steel mill in North America. The structures along this block tell the story of a great steel family, company, community and industry.
"We have had an excellent relationship with the Huston family for many years, and by working with them, we saw an opportunity to enhance the Lukens Historic District for the benefit of all Coatesville. Bethlehem knew that Skip Huston and his family would assure that the Main Office would remain an important part of Coatesville�s history. So, today, it is with great pleasure that we place the deed and keys to this property back into the hands of the Huston family and the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust."
To close the event, Van R. Reiner, president, Bethlehem Lukens Plate, presented the keys to the building and a portrait of A. F. Huston to Charles "Skip" Huston, president of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust, noting that, "For Bethlehem, this transaction is a symbol of the developing partnership with the community that will grow in the years ahead."