Bethworks Now, the partnership of Las Vegas Sands and Meadowlands chief Jeff Gural, has begun to finalize the master plan for the remainder of its 126-acre tract, the historic site of the Bethlehem Steel works in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
The casino already has added a hotel, outlet shopping center and concert hall, as well as a state-of-the-art convention and meeting facility, in the six years since transforming the former brownfield site and the rusting remainders of the steel mill into one of the state’s most successful casinos.
Gural, who only two weeks ago revealed his plan to add a casino to his North Jersey track in partnership with Hard Rock International, told the Allentown Morning Call that Sands is now working to complete its vision for the Sands Bethlehem site. “They’re working on it as we speak,” he said, adding that details will be withheld from the public until the plan is complete. “Rather than just jump in and do this piece by piece, there’s an effort to identify a plan to develop the entire property. (Sands is) driving this bus. We’re waiting for the master plan before we move forward.”
The plan will make use of many historic structures that were once part of the steel plant that was the region’s largest employer and a key supplier to the U.S. military for most of the 20th century. Among the structures slated for redevelopment are the No. 2 Machine Shop, the High House—once a key manufacturer of battleship guns—the 30-foot-high Iron Foundry, the 191- Riggers Welfare Building and the Steel General Office Building, the former world headquarters of the steel company.
Las Vegas Sands is currently doing a market feasibility study to identify the best uses for the structures. “We’re constantly looking at all of our properties for new and unique concepts to make them more interesting, dynamic places,” Sands spokesman Ron Reese told the Morning Call. “I don’t think it’s prudent to discuss timelines and specific concepts until we are ready to do it in a public way. Until all the I’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, we prefer not to talk about it.”
Meanwhile, Sands Bethlehem’s host county unveiled a $1 million economic development program that was funded by its portion of gaming revenues from the casino. Northampton County’s Community Investment Partnership Program will set aside $500,000 in matching grants for communities to upgrade buildings and beautify downtowns and another $500,000 in loans so small to mid-size businesses can expand.
