ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory, long the staple of arts performances, teaching and arts residency on the southside of Bethlehem, is in the process of being demolished. A new facility, named ArtsQuest Creative Factory, powered by PPL, is expected to be completed in 2026. The new five-story building will house a state-of-the-art cultural facility, including an Air Products Artist 3-D Makerspace, a black box comedy theater with bar, art educator lab, artist studios and classrooms, designated sensory spaces, modern gallery spaces, meeting and hospitality venues and more.CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The demolition of the Banana Factory begins with the large front gallery space. Named for a pair of longtime volunteers, the centrally-located Yeoman Family Volunteer Center will provide space for volunteer training and preparation.