It is almost time to bid the Banana Factory in Bethlehem farewell.
ArtsQuest has revealed plans for a significant transformation that will revamp a portion of Bethlehem Southside in the shape of a new 78,000-square-foot cultural center, despite encountering several obstacles.
The demolition will start shortly. An initiative to develop Bethlehem's arts scene and strengthen the community's economy is almost ready to take concrete form. When asked to sum up the event in one word, Capital Campaign Co-Chair Gregg Feinberg remarked, "Excited." Chief Operating Officer of ArtsQuest Curt Mosel declared, "It is great."
Sadly, many of our communities are losing their artistic populations. "The arts must be revived," supporter Cindy Yeoman emphasized. The five-story new cultural center is expected to have 25% more room than the existing one, according to the organizers. There will be more room for studios, gathering places, and artist space. There will also be sensory sections, a comedy club, and studios.
Feinberg said, "We will be able to extend programs for school kids from 5,000 to 10,000 school kids every year." The Yeoman family is sponsoring a special volunteer area for the countless individuals who work so hard to make Bethlehem's largest and most popular events—Christmaskindlmarkt, Oktoberfest, and Musikfest—a reality.
Along with other uses, it will be put to use for training. Cindy Yeoman emphasized, "We felt volunteers should be recognized for all that they do to help this community." "There is an amazing bunch of folks involved. Their work is their passion," Chuck Yeoman remarked.
The present configuration consists of six buildings and, to be honest, the organizers claim it is outdated. They also say that starting from scratch would be more effective than just renovating. "These buildings are past their shelf life; they were ancient when we bought them," stated Kassie Hilgert, president and CEO of ArtQuest. The initiative itself was on the verge of disappearing.
With the rapid and intense arrival of COVID-19, hopes were dashed and prices skyrocketed. According to Feinberg, this made new funding and priority adjustments necessary. Mosel clarified, "We put everything on hold for a long two-year period and wanted to get the momentum back." With the help of the community, ArtQuest reports that it is currently 80% of the way toward obtaining the $32 million required to finish the project.
It is anticipated that the current building will begin to be demolished in the new year, and the new structure's doors will open in 2026. Mosel stated, "We are tremendously enthused about the possibility." "This would be an excellent halting space—it is literally halfway between the Northside and Southside festival grounds."
View Homes Near ArtsQuest in South Bethlehem PA