DLP Capital and Monocacy General Contracting broke ground on a new, mixed-use multifamily complex on the former site of the historic Boyd Theater in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new era for the theater, an iconic symbol of Bethlehem dating to the days of live vaudeville, with the 1,200-seat venue later becoming the place to see first-run movies. Bethlehem’s Mayor J. William Reynolds was on hand for the ceremony, joined by dignitaries from the offices of U.S. Representative Susan Wild and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. In designing the new 205-unit multifamily community, DLP Capital and Monocacy will pay tribute to the heydays of the historic theater, which will now become a valuable addition to affordable apartment living in the area.
The new complex, at 30 Broad St., will rise six stories with its façade featuring elements in tribute to the industrial heritage of Bethlehem, including red brick and exposed steel as well as historic red Boyd signage symbolizing the theater’s notable past. In addition to the community’s 205 apartments, the complex will also host 10 Airbnb rental units, underground parking, a pool, courtyard, and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. Theater memorabilia will be preserved among interior public spaces, such as a vintage projector and chandelier, theater seats, photos, and more. One exterior wall will showcase a soaring mural commemorating Bethlehem’s steel heritage.
“What this project is going to do is bring vibrancy back to this part of our downtown,” said Bethelehem’s Mayor Reynolds. “Our downtown area here, especially along this corridor and Broad Street, has been an area that we’ve been trying to drive investment, and we’ve been trying to drive people here to live here to shop here.” Reynolds called the downtown boost from this investment as “huge.”
The new development also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. Representing DLP Capital at the groundbreaking was founder and CEO, Don Wenner, who hails from the Lehigh Valley region in which Bethlehem sits. He was joined by Monocacy’s CEO, Plamen “Rocco” Ayvazov.
Bethlehem was recently ranked one of the “hottest zip codes” by the National Association of Realtor’s website, Realtor.com, placing No. 6 in the US. Homes in Bethlehem get significant views and sell fast, attributed in part to the relative affordability of the area and its location a few hours from major cities, making the area attractive for hybrid/remote work. Approximately one-third of website visitors viewing Bethlehem are from New York and Philadelphia metro areas. According to Realtor.com, “With a rich colonial history, tons of outdoor activities, and a thriving good cultural, and arts scene, this Lehigh Valley city has something for everyone.”