AQ: The former Bethlehem Steel Turn & Grind Shop, located on PNC Plaza adjacent to the iconic Steel blast furnaces, was originally part of the Bethlehem Steel Tool Division, where it played a key role in steelmaking. The 27,000 square foot historic building, which was built in the 1860s, was used to “Turn & Grind” steel beams to increase their appearance and durability including finely polished surfaces for the nation’s Naval ships and. (For additional details, please consult the National Museum of Industrial History.) 

Historically, the SteelStacks site was a hub of innovation and manufacturing, situated in an ideal location to utilize the Lehigh River and adjacent railroad line to move steel. ArtsQuest’s vision is that the ‘Re-Imagined’ Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop will serve as a hub of diverse activity all year long. Through innovative programs and events, the building will attract visitors from around the world, creating a modern-day nexus through the arts. 

In more recent years, ArtsQuest has utilized the building for storage for our festival and events infrastructure. As we look toward its future use, preserving the historical integrity of the space is a top priority. The building’s industrial legacy will remain a central element, and we are committed to honoring that heritage as we breathe new life into this building of important historic significance.

AQ: The renovated Lehigh Valley Health Network part of the Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop will become a dynamic, multi-purpose event venue that significantly expands our capabilities. One of the most exciting benefits is the ability to grow our programming, especially for major festivals like Musikfest, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt. 

In addition, this expanded space will allow us to host large-scale traveling exhibits in the arts, culture, education and sciences—exhibits that might otherwise have bypassed Bethlehem for larger cities. This creates incredible opportunities for local residents and schools to access world-class experiences right here in the Lehigh Valley. 

This space will also serve as a hospitality venue for both ArtsQuest-hosted events and private and corporate rentals, filling a much-needed gap. We’ve truly maxed out the available dates and space at the ArtsQuest Center, and this new venue provides a fresh, industrial atmosphere with modern amenities—offering both indoor and outdoor flexibility for weddings, proms, family celebrations and corporate event space. 

Lastly, the inclusion of a permanent kitchen and green room will streamline operations and reduce costs. Currently, we construct a temporary and expensive kitchen every year for Musikfest to support our hospitality team, which prepares three meals a day for 11 consecutive days for our headline performers as well as for guests at the Steel Terrace tents at the Wind Creek Steel Stage. With a dedicated space for meal prep and planning—as well as shower facilities for the artists—we’ll be able to enhance the experience for performers and operate much more efficiently. 

Overall, this transformation isn’t just about building, it’s about investing in the future of the community, creating new opportunities for cultural and economic engagement and preserving a unique historic space with modern purpose. 

AQ: We believe the renovation will transform the Lehigh Valley Health Network part of the Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop from a largely behind-the-scenes facility into a vibrant, welcoming space with which the community can actively engage. Rather than simply being aware of it as a piece of Bethlehem Steel’s industrial past—or as a storage facility—it will become a place where memories are made: festivals, community gatherings and celebrations. 

By blending the building’s rich history with modern features, we’re creating a space that feels both historic and new. It’s a way for community members to connect more deeply with Bethlehem’s industrial heritage while enjoying meaningful experiences in the present. 

We hope people will not only feel pride in seeing this space revitalized but also feel a sense of ownership and connection—whether they’re attending a headline show during Musikfest, hosting a private or corporate celebration, or just enjoying a moment in a thoughtfully preserved historic space. 

AQ: Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health’s involvement is deeply aligned with its long-standing commitment to community wellness. Their support goes far beyond sponsorship, it reflects a shared belief in the powerful connection between the arts and health, whether physical, mental or emotional. 

LVHN has been a key partner in ArtsQuest’s mission of making the arts accessible to all, and they’ve played an essential role in many of our initiatives over the years. From providing on-site healthcare services at Musikfest since 2002 to promoting fitness and sports through SoccerFest and other wellness-focused programming, LVHN has helped nourish the community in meaningful ways. 

The renovated space will continue to support this vision. While its primary use will be for events, festivals and exhibits, it also presents new opportunities for wellness-oriented programming—such as health and fitness events, educational partnerships and community engagement initiatives that promote overall well-being. 

AQ: Expected opening date in 2027 

AQ: The renovation of the Turn & Grind Shop is more than just a restoration of a historic building—it’s a renewal of purpose. With the incredible support of Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health, we’re not only preserving a piece of Bethlehem’s industrial legacy, but transforming it into a vibrant hub for creativity, connection and community well-being. This space will serve as a testament to what’s possible when the arts, history and health come together to inspire and uplift. We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to welcome the community into this next chapter.