Revitalization efforts on former Bethlehem Steel Plant property at the SteelStacks complex have received another prestigious award, this time being honored as one of the "Great Places in Pennsylvania."

Tina Roseberry, a board member on the Pa. Chapter of the American Planning Association, presented the award to Mayor Bob Donchez and ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert, noting that the project was one of seven winners out of 27 applicants in the initial round of the "Great Places in Pennsylvania" Program.

"Great Places are defined as unique memorable places where people want to be, not only to visit, but to live and work every day," Roseberry said. "These places serve as a model for other communities."

Donchez noted that within a 10-year timeframe, the site had gone from "one of the country's most endangered historic sites" to winning Great Place recognition. He also recognized the many partners whose contributions had made the SteelStacks revitalization possible including the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Area School District, County of Northampton, Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority, ArtsQuest, Sands Casino and PBS 39.

Hilgert acknowledged receipt of the award saying, "It's validation that we need to tell our story more, both the public and private partners."

She cited other area development that has been attracted as a result of SteelStacks, and the $100 million economic impact that programming has on the local economy. Hilgert said the award would be displayed in the Stock House Visitor Center.