Bethlehem Works Facts for Kids

Wind Creek Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem Works is a large area in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It covers about 120 acres (0.49 km²). This land used to belong to a huge company called Bethlehem Steel. For about 140 years, Bethlehem Steel made metal here. But in 1995, they stopped making steel at this main factory.

After the factory closed, people started thinking about new ways to use the land. Experts helped create plans to turn the area into "Bethlehem Works." The idea was to build places for culture, fun, learning, and shopping. This included plans for a museum linked to the famous Smithsonian Institution.

How Bethlehem Works Changed Over Time
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How Bethlehem Works Changed Over Time

1995: The Steel Mill Closes

In the spring, experts were hired to find new uses for the land. They also worked on cleaning up the environment.
In November, Bethlehem Steel stopped making metal. This ended a long history of steel production on the south side of the Lehigh River.

1996: Planning and Cleanup Begins

In winter, a company started removing old buildings. They only kept buildings that were important for history or could be used again.
In April, the Bethlehem City Council changed the rules for the land. It used to be for heavy factories. Now, it could be used for many different projects.
Also in April, a science museum for children, the Discovery Center, agreed to buy an old office building.
In December, a main company was chosen to develop the 163-acre (0.7 km²) area. This area became known as Bethlehem Works. It was planned to have entertainment, cultural spots, and shops.

1997: Smithsonian Partnership and Master Plan

In February, Bethlehem Steel made a deal with the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian would lend old factory items for a new museum. This museum, the National Museum of Industrial History, would be connected to the Smithsonian.
In August, the main office for the Bethlehem Works project opened.
In November, the big plan for Bethlehem Works was shared with the community. It was expected to bring in $450 million and create 2,500 jobs. It would also bring over $20 million in taxes each year.

1998: Getting Ready for Construction

In winter, the city's Planning Commission approved the master plan.
In fall, the U.S. Congress approved $3 million for public access improvements. This money would help build roads and pathways.
Money for roads leading to Bethlehem Works was also planned by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Bethlehem Steel also looked for money to clean up the "brownfield land" (old factory land that needs cleaning).

1999: New Projects and Awards

In February, old factory tools from the 1800s arrived from the Smithsonian. They were for the National Museum of Industrial History. A smaller "Preview Center" opened first. The main museum was planned for 2004.
Also in February, a developer was chosen to turn an old headquarters building into a 262-room hotel with a conference center.
In April, construction started for the John M. Cook Technology Center. This center would help new high-tech businesses grow.
In June, government environmental agencies approved the cleanup plan for Bethlehem Works. They called it a great example for cleaning up old industrial sites.
In August, a developer was chosen for a family fun center called "The Fundry at Bethlehem Works." It would have up to 100,000 square feet (9,000 m²) of space.
In November, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge gave Bethlehem Steel an award. It was for their excellent work in cleaning up the land.
In December, the city approved the plan to divide the land and improve the infrastructure for the first part of Bethlehem Works.
Also in December, Governor Ridge gave $4.5 million to help build the Preview Center for the National Museum of Industrial History.

2000: Building Roads and Tech Centers

In February, a company was chosen to build a movie theater with many screens and up to 175,000 square feet (16,000 m²) of shops.
In April, money was ready to build roads and utility systems.
Also in April, the John M. Cook Technology Center opened. It joined another tech center to help new tech companies.
In September, the city started asking for bids to build the roads and utilities for the first part of Bethlehem Works.
In November, construction officially began for the infrastructure of Bethlehem Works. People called it "a new beginning for an old place."

2001: More Shops and Fun Places Planned

In January, Bethlehem Works won an award for its innovative redevelopment.
Also in January, the company building the movie theater bought land for the cinema and shops.
In February, plans were made for eleven restaurants to open in Bethlehem Works.
In April, a third technology center was planned. It would have 60,000 square feet (5,600 m²) of space and open in 2002.
Also in April, a deal was signed to build a 70,000 square foot (6,500 m²) building with two indoor ice skating rinks and an outdoor roller skating area.

2004: New Owners

In September, a New York investment group called Bethworks Now bought the Bethlehem Works site. They said they would mostly follow the original development plan.

2006: A Gaming Center is Approved

In October, the Bethlehem City Council voted to allow part of the Bethlehem Works site to be used for a gaming center.
In December, Bethlehem received a license to open a gaming center on the site.

2009: Wind Creek Bethlehem Opens

Wind Creek Bethlehem opened its doors on May 22, 2009.

2011: Shopping Mall Opens

The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem shopping mall opened on November 1, 2011. It connects the casino and the hotel.

Bethlehem Works facts for kids

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