Main Street Progress
In June of 1952, it was recommended to City Council that the Bethlehem Authority research the viability of a redevelopment program. This was done and the Redevelopment Authority was formed.
In the 1960’s, studies were conducted and recommendations made for the redevelopment of downtown Bethlehem.
In 1978, construction took place for Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1. This set of 216 photographs includes images of the street layout and storefronts along Main Street before the project began. The majority of the photos are detailed images taken as the construction was underway and of the finished street after completion of the Phase 1 improvements.
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Main Street prior to phase 1 renovationsA set of four photographs featuring storefronts includgin Parks, Kempfer Music and the Hotel Bethlehem prior to the first phase of Main Street redevelopment. -
Main Street prior to phase 1 renovationsA set of four photographs featuring storefronts including Weilands, Singer and the Wedding House prior to the first phase of Main Street redevelopment. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #1Scene looking across Main Street towards Orr's and Woolworth. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #2Excavated sidewalk on Main Street, showing an underground building access door. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #3Worker crouching on a corragated metal sheet, laying the groundwork for a sidewalk on Main Street. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #4Scene looking north up Main Street during renovations. Cars are parked along the street with some snow on the ground. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #5Torn up sidewalk corner. Cars are parked along Main Street with traffic passing on the north side of the street. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #6The construction site, looking north at the Hotel Bethlehem. The left lane is torn up, traffic is moving along on the right side of the street, -
Sidewalk excavation outside of storefrontSidewalk under construction in front of a storefront on the west side of Main Street. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #8The construction site on Main Street. A worker in a hard hat stands at the center of the shot, watching a backhoe loading a dump truck. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #9Pipes laying in a trench in the construction area at the corner of Broad and Main Street. There is snow on the ground. -
Bethlehem Main Street Site Improvements - Phase 1 - Photo #10The closed off construction area in front of the Hotel Bethlehem. Cars are parked along the right side of the street, which is open to traffic.