BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Banana Factory served the Lehigh Valley for more than two decades before closing on New Year’s Day last year.
In its place rises the New ArtsQuest Creative Factory.
Construction is moving along, and now we have an update from the site.
It is right on schedule for a grand opening in 2027.
“It is a bigger, better, newer Banana Factory, that adds more disciplines,” said ArtsQuest CEO and President Kassie Hilgert.
Hilgert says the ArtsQuest Creative Factory is coming in on budget and ahead of schedule. Upon completion, the area will be transformed into a 5-story, 80,000 square-foot performing arts and educational center.
“It is looking like about $32 million is the price tag for the building,” said Hilgert. “We’ve raised about $27.8 million from 17 corporations, 15 foundations, and almost 200 individuals, so great community support so far.”
Dignitaries broke ground on the Creative Factory on West Second Street last June. When finished, it will house 36 art studios, 9 classrooms, a comedy theater and a Martin Guitar recording studio.
“Jewelry and metal working, ceramics, we’re actually more than doubling our ceramics footprint. Hot glass, woodworking, metal working,” said Elena Ostock, ArtsQuest Visual Arts Manager.
The classes and disciplines will be open to everyone in the community.
“Students, entrepreneurs, artists, retirees, elderly, pre-k, we want them to embrace this space as their own,” Hilbert said.
If all goes according to plan, the ArtsQuest Creative Factory will have a soft opening in November, with the grand opening set for January.