Toppling the (Martin) Tower (5)

Gadfly's posts, Martin Tower, Serious Issues 1 Minute

(5th in a series on Martin Tower)

Nicole Radzievich, “Martin Tower will be imploded; mayor says could happen by end of April.” Morning Call, March 7, 2019.

Nicole Radzievich, “Why Martin Tower’s historic designation doesn’t preclude its demolition.” Morning Call, March 8, 2019.

The denouement inches forward.

Gadfly lives in the debris path. Sigh.

The resistance:

Change.org: Refuse To Patronize Anything On the Martin Tower Land Without The Tower Remaining

People who have any connection with the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or Bethlehem Steel, are very unhappy with the news that Martin Tower is said to be taken down in 2019. As a result of this news, we, the signatories, do not wish to support or patronize any businesses that will build on the Martin Tower property after it has been taken down. We want to see this building renovated, and turned into something beneficial to the community.

Martin Tower is an important part of the city’s history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a landmark that can be seen for miles. It is an important part of Bethlehem Steel’s history, just as much as are the Blast Furnaces. This building could be an attraction, such as a Visitor’s Center, offices, and provide living space. Martin Tower is a local treasure and should be treated as such.

Facebook: “Save Martin Tower”

Martin Tower is a skyscraper in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania that was built as the world headquarters for Bethlehem Steel. Since Bethlehem Steel closed and left the Tower, other companies occupied the Tower until the last tenant left in 2007. The Tower has now been vacant for several years and was taken off of a protection list. This page is for anyone who feels this building is worth saving and reusing. I believe that it is a historical symbol of the Lehigh Valley and the Steel company. You may voice your opinion here, and please like and share the page with as many people as you can! You are free to share stories, memories and photos. I believe that together, the citizens of the Lehigh Valley and beyond can help to save this beautiful building! Thank you for your time and your appreciation!

Published by The Bethlehem Gadfly

Edward J. Gallagher, Bethlehem immigrant, retired, nearly 50 years as Professor of American Literature at Lehigh University, known as "Dr. G" and "Conan the Grammarian" to students, whose virtual world avatar "EdwardScholarhands" stares at you here, has reinvented himself as the Bethlehem Gadfly.

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One thought on “Toppling the (Martin) Tower (5)”

  1. The sad thing is that it was clear when they rezoned the property that they planned on demolition. (Otherwise, they wouldn’t have insisted on it being part of the rezoning.)

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