BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A prominent former restaurant site in Northampton County is available for purchase.
The former Starters Riverport property at 17 W. 2nd St. in south Bethlehem went on the market a couple of days ago with a listing price of $2.5 million, according to listing agent Emily Broski, with Belvidere, New Jersey-based Melchor Realty.
Ryan Kneller
“Endless possibilities await at 17 W. 2nd Street in the heart of Bethlehem’s vibrant South Side Arts District!” the listing states.
“Previously home to a popular restaurant, this expansive commercial space is ready for its next chapter — whether you envision a restaurant, banquet hall, market, brewery, event venue, entertainment center, or creative mixed-use concept.”
Starters Riverport, a sports bar and restaurant, closed in 2013 after seven years of business.
The dining establishment occupied part of a renovated former Bethlehem Steel machine shop, built in 1941.
In recent years, Riverport Public Market – a two-story, 24,000-square-foot marketplace featuring more than 20 food and beverage vendors and “one-of-a-kind retail experiences” – was pitched for the space by Bethlehem-based developer Ashley Development Corp.
Talk of the proposed Christmas City market began in 2017 and early plans were released in 2019, with an initial target opening date of spring 2020.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the market’s anticipated opening date was repeatedly pushed back – from fall 2021 to spring 2022 to fall 2022.
Ryan Kneller
In 2023, Ashley Development hit the brakes on the project as it reassessed its design.
“COVID-19 set the project back as several tenant prospects and respondents began to question the future of retail, especially higher density shared retail spaces like Riverport Public Market,” Lou Pektor, president of Ashley Development, told 69 News in a written statement in 2023.
“The development team is looking closely at the floor plans and considering a reset to increase open space and traffic flow through the market. We’re also conducting a new feasibility study given these changes.”
On Friday, Broski noted that the south Bethlehem property could still possibly house an indoor market under a new owner.
The space is suitable for a host of uses, she added.
“It’s a great space with a lot of potential,” Broski said.
The former Starters Riverport space has industrial character, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and large, open areas, and offers the “perfect canvas for adaptive reuse,” according to the listing.
It also features a flexible layout with plenty of potential for commercial kitchen infrastructure and open-plan versatility.
Ample street parking and proximity to parking garages support accessibility.
Ryan Kneller
The property also benefits from an approved RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) grant, providing financial support for qualifying redevelopment projects.
“Don’t miss your chance to reimagine a Bethlehem icon and be part of the city’s dynamic redevelopment story,” the listing continues.
In the short amount of time that it’s been listed, the south Bethlehem property has already garnered much interest, with the Melchor Realty team having fielded several calls from prospective buyers over the past couple of days, Broski said.
Parties seeking more information or wishing to schedule a showing can reach out to Susan DiLeo or Emily Broski with Melchor Realty at 908-475-2050.