BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A brick-breaking ceremony marks another step ahead for ArtsQuest’s newest event space.
Community leaders and lawmakers discussed the journey to transform the historic Bethlehem Steel Turn and Grind Shop into a new venue.
The space will be called the Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health Turn and Grind Shop.
A spring shower did not rain on the ceremony held in Southside Bethlehem on Thursday.
“Although the weather is not so great, it’s a very exciting day,” said Bob Begliomini, President of Jefferson Health, Lehigh Valley Region.
Inside ArtsQuest’s future Turn and Grind building, the faces behind the project gathered together.
While no bricks were really broken, construction efforts are well underway.
Picture this: a 26,000 square foot space, that prioritizes extended arts programming, exhibits, festivals and events, for roughly 800 people.
The project will preserve historical elements like the original floor, brick and stone.
“This was a testament to the human beings that built this up, and they were in these structures, right?” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “It was not run by computers; you’re never going to see that scale again. So, to be able to show future generations where we’ve come from, while also using program to say, ‘look where we’re going.'”
Hilgert said by this time next year, doors to the venue will be open to welcome in visitors.
Before then, Boyle Construction President Sean Boyle and his team are working tirelessly.
“Renovating a structure of this age and complexity, took a lot of additional time for to work out details and budgets,” said Boyle. “I’m really working on a lot of different projects, but all the ones that ArtsQuest are always special, because they’re so unique.”
Crews are working to put on the final roof and levels of windows, before putting in the walls.
A years-worth of reconstruction and meetings are finally falling into place, as community leaders, lawmakers and partners like Begliomini reflect and dream of the future.
“It’s a very exciting day for Jefferson Health, for ArtsQuest, for the Bethlehem community. This venue is going to be something very special.” said Begliomini.
It is scheduled to be open in May 2027.