Creative Hub to Expand Regional Access to Arts, Education

BETHLEHEM PA – ArtsQuest, the non-profit organization that promotes artistic, cultural and educational experiences in the Lehigh Valley, broke ground Tuesday (June 17, 2025) on a new facility intended to expand regional access to creative arts programs for all ages.

The building, to be known as “the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL” will be located on the site of the former Banana Factory arts center, 25 W. 3rd St., Bethlehem.

The Banana Factory was transformed over a period of 20 years from its former industrial use into galleries, activity spaces, and artists’ studios. It closed during December 2024, and was demolished in May 2025.

Architects for the Creative Factory won approval for a $32 million, five-story, 78,500-square-foot hub for arts, community, and education uses. The site is 33 miles northeast of Pottstown, and is deemed likely to attract local residents who periodically visit Bethlehem for other entertainment. It includes the annual Musikfest, and the SteelStacks arts and cultural campus.

The new center reportedly is “designed with sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion in mind, containing:

• 36 artist studios, 20% more than the former space;
• A dedicated comedy venue and classroom;
• Expanded visual arts classrooms, with sinks;
• A communications pathway program, in partnership with the Bethlehem Area School District;
• A Martin Guitar recording studio;
• Modern galleries, flexible outdoor programming areas, and community event areas; and
• “The Makerspace,” presented by Air Products.

Continuing Banana Factory Traditions

Energy-efficient systems, water-saving fixtures, and eco-conscious materials are identified as among its environmental and smart building features. Bricks and other materials from the Banana Factory are being recycled, and used as foundation materials for the new structure.

Several feasibility studies confirmed that replacing the Banana Factory property was more cost-effective, and more beneficial to the community, than attempting its renovation.

However, the Creative Factory will continue its predecessor’s tradition of providing financial scholarships for tuition-based programs. Italso pledges to foster deeper engagement with teaching and exhibiting artists, and expand year-round access to cultural programming.

Drawing of the new “ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL”
provided to Travels With The Post by ArtsQuest