The brand new Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts is now open, and the students are undoubtedly enjoying the remarkable new building and all the many, many improvements over the former factory they previously inhabited.

On a boiling hot Sept. 3 afternoon, officials, students and supporters gathered outside the East Third Street building’s front doors for the official ribbon cutting followed by a blessedly cool tour of the facility.

Board President Mario Accera said the years of development were intended to create a building equally supportive of academics, arts and overall neighborhood enrichment.

Executive Director and CEO Diane LaBelle said South Bethlehem is the ideal location for school, so the students can experience what it means to be part of an artistic and entertainment-oriented community.

The $26 million, 87,000-square-foot structure, designed by Southside group Artefact, Inc. and built by Bethlehem-based Bucks Development, was five years in the making. It is now home to 580 students.