Dauphin News

HARRISBURG – Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) announced more than $2.3 million in support to convert Lebanon Steel Works into a small business incubator, artist space, and cultural amenity.

Through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Business in Our Sites Program, the project will receive a grant of over $631,000 and a 20-year loan totaling more than $1.7 million.

The old Bethlehem Steel Site in the city of Lebanon consists of multiple acres centrally located between the city’s historic downtown and some of Pennsylvania's fastest-growing housing markets. The project will focus on redeveloping one square acre with a 30,000-square-foot masonry and timber structure.

Second Sail Development LLC plans to pre-lease spaces and conduct phased renovation and tenanting while redeveloping the site. This approach aims to convert the vacant space into 15-25 individual spaces for small businesses, most expected to employ one to five people. The project is anticipated to create 70 new jobs.

“While historically an economic driver, the old Bethlehem Steel Foundry is unfortunately just a blighted brownfield site. This project will breathe new life into the area as it will offer employment and business opportunities with cultural amenities – allowing Lebanon residents to enjoy those experiences like Hershey, Lititz, Harrisburg or Lancaster cities,” Gebhard said.

The grant and loan money will be used for light renovations by modernizing, subdividing, and bringing it up to code while retaining its industrial character. By limiting renovation costs, more affordable rents will be available to tenants.

The first floor of the building will be designated for larger maker-type users and a three-season event space open to train tracks for an industrial experience. Renovations on the second floor will include an auditorium event space, small format artist studios, executive office space, and coworking areas. Two existing vaults will be repurposed as “mini-museums” showcasing the site’s history through photos and artifacts.

The Business in Our Sites Program empowers communities to attract growing employers by helping them build an inventory of ready sites. Funding can be used for all site development activities required to make a site shovel-ready.

CONTACT: Matthew Urban at 717-787-5708