HARRISBURG, April 22 – State Rep. Steve Samuelson said $1.25 million in redevelopment grants were awarded today by Gov. Tom Wolf for two projects in the city of Bethlehem.

“These projects are just some of the exciting work that is being done in our city,” said Samuelson, D-Northampton. “I thank Governor Wolf for his commitment to the economic success of Bethlehem and for his support for historic preservation in our community.” Samuelson worked together with state Sen. Lisa Boscola in securing funding for both projects.

Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites will receive $753,397 to repair the historic Grist Miller House. The project involves structural repairs including electrical and plumbing; and interior and exterior restoration/preservation work. That exterior work includes installing a wood shingle roof; preserving, repairing and painting wooden windows; painting doors; installing gutters and downspouts; installing building tie rods; and restoring a walkway. The interior work includes stabilizing two levels of the 1782 portion; repairing beams on the first floor; re-opening stairs from the basement to the first floor; new electrical; new plumbing and fixtures for the galley kitchen and restroom; installing an HVAC system; refinishing original wood floors; painting all walls and woodwork; and upgrading the alarm system.

A $500,000 grant was provided to Collaboration 3 LLC to stabilize and renovate the 100-year-old Goodman Building. The money also will be used to create an architecturally complimentary building in an adjacent empty lot at a key location in the heart of the South Side Arts District. The existing building will be home to 15,000 square feet of commercial space, with anchor retail or restaurant businesses on the ground floor and office space above. The new building will be constructed for modern apartments. Commercial spaces and a shared lobby will occupy the first floors of both structures.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, from which this grant was awarded, is a commonwealth grant program overseen by the Office of the Budget to assist with regional cultural, economic, civic and historical projects that improve a community’s economic growth by creating jobs.

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Tom Andrews
House Democratic Communications Office

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