Bethlehem, PA — During a press conference hosted by Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez, it was announced that St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh University have committed to being the anchor tenants at Greenway Park’s new building at 3rd and New Streets in South Bethlehem. Developer Dennis Benner unveiled plans for the 125,000 s/f, six story building, which will include retail space on the first floor and office space on the second through sixth floors. The $20 million project is the first of many new development projects planned in Southside Bethlehem. CBRE’s Jody King represents the landlord, Dennis Benner of Greenway Park, LP. Mayor Donchez said, “this commitment by Atty. Benner, Lehigh University, and St Luke’s University Health Network is important because it will serve as a catalyst for additional development in South Bethlehem. It will also serve as a gateway into the city from Route 378 and provide much needed foot traffic for the businesses in South Bethlehem.” St. Luke’s University Health Network will have a mixed-use floor of clinical, teaching and administrative space.
“This building project strengthens St. Luke’s University Health Network’s long standing commitment to our neighbors and the Bethlehem Southside, and it also continues a long tradition of St. Luke’s and Lehigh University working together as part of our ongoing relationship,” said Richard Anderson, president & CEO of St. Luke’s University Health Network."Lehigh University is proud to play a significant role in this gateway initiative for Southside Bethlehem,” said Dr. John Simon, Lehigh University president. “We are happy to join St. Luke’s as an anchor tenant in this building, and our presence will enable Lehigh to further demonstrate a strong commitment to serving as a positive community partner. We extend our gratitude to the Mayor for his support of our participation in this project.”
“I am excited that this long vacant lot will see development in the new year. This building will not only anchor a key gateway to the Southside, but it will bring new employees, new businesses and new tax revenue to the City of Bethlehem. This continues to further the city’s goals of maintaining a community in which residents can live, learn, work and play,” said Alicia Karner, Bethlehem’s Director of Community and Economic Development.The groundbreaking for the new building will begin in the spring of 2016 and construction should be completed in the spring of the following year. Additionally, a brand new parking garage is being built adjacent to the site. “This building represents the culmination of hard work by many people and is representative of a true public private partnership. We are particularly pleased that we have the good fortune to develop in concert with our alma mater for our alma mater. We are equally pleased that this development continues a business relationship with our good friends at St. Luke’s. This begins a new day in South Bethlehem and is an invitation to all those who want to join in the creation of a college town,” said Attorney Dennis Benner.“It is particularly gratifying for my brother and I to be part of an effort to redevelop the area around our Alma Mater,” added Attorney Garrett Benner.