BETHLEHEM, Pa. — With business on the rise, Steel Ice Center, a regional destination for all things skating, is moving toward a major expansion of its facilities in South Bethlehem.
The city Planning Commission on Thursday approved land development plans for a 34,000-square-foot addition at 320 E. 1st St.
It’s set to house what would be the facility’s third 200-by-85-foot ice rink, along with a new fitness center, stretch-and-recovery lab and other amenities.
“Our busiest two weekends of the year are actually the book ends of Musikfest, and we manage all the traffic, manage our lots, and have done that for the last 18 years."Steel Ice Center owner Keith Krem
Bohler Engineering’s Mary Bachert, speaking on behalf of Steel Ice Center, said project outlook for the 3.59-acre lot just a short ways west of SteelStacks “hasn’t substantially changed” since the first planners’ review in October.
Regarding concern from city traffic officials about how expansion’s operation could affect nearby roadways — including during annual events such as Musikfest — Steel Ice Center owner Keith Krem said things should continue business as usual.
“Our busiest two weekends of the year are actually the book ends of Musikfest, and we manage all the traffic, manage our lots, and have done that for the last 18 years,” Krem said.
Krem said the Bethlehem Parking Authority has been responsive on working with the ice center in the case of more parking ever being needed for an extraordinary event on site.
'Middle of a really good cultural hotbed'
Tracy Nelson Wescott, senior associate with project architect firm Highland Associates, said the build will come with energy-efficient HVAC units and “expansive” windows to help with natural daylighting.
The project is set to feature St. Luke’s University Health Network branding; the health system also operates a gym in the current building that’s slated for improvements, too.
The home of Lehigh Valley Phantoms Youth Hockey and the Lehigh University men’s ice hockey team, Steel Ice Center is north of the former Factory LLC business-incubator facility.
That site now is set to become a satellite campus of Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School.
The ice center also is near Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts and the 731-space Polk Street Garage.
Steel Ice Center ownership is “thrilled” to be operating “in the middle of a really good, cultural hotbed,” Krem has said.
'I'm excited for this'
As was the case in October, planners Thursday echoed their support of the project.
“I want to commend you, again, for coming in prior for a sketch-plan review,” Chairman Robert Melosky said. “It just kind of helps everything move along much smoother and quicker.
“I’m excited for this.”
Project officials have reported plans to break ground later this year and finish up construction in 2027, with no effect on current operations expected in the meantime.
Along with Steel Ice Center, the property is home to Player’s Choice Pro Shop and Steel Pub Sports Bar and Grille.
The Polar Bears of Special Hockey of the Lehigh Valley and Penguin Figure Skating Club also meet at the ice center.
