Posted on October 1, 2014

2014 Great Public Space: Steel Stacks Campus, City of Bethlehem (Northampton County)

Great Places Urban Design & Placemaking 2014

The Steel Stacks Campus sits directly at the foot of the iconic blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel site. In 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed it as one of the Country’s most endangered historic sites. However, through community engagement, planning, and creative design/placemaking, this unique site has been transformed into a community asset that incorporates many of the original historic characteristics. Stack House, the oldest building on the Campus, has been restored into the Visitors Center and the outdoor music venues make full use of the site’s spectacular views. Today, this thriving mixed-use public space is home to many community events, festivals and concerts that attract well over one million residents and visitors annually. Connectivity to the surrounding neighborhoods assists in the success of the Campus and allows the neighborhoods to share in the growth and success of the site as well.

© Copyright 2026 • Privacy Policy