Crime & Safety

Firefighters Respond to Smoke at Martin Tower

Firefighters combed through city's tallest building looking for signs of fire, but found nothing burning.

 

Multiple Bethlehem Fire Department units responded to Martin Tower Thursday night for a report of smoke coming out of the building.

Bystanders said there was smoke coming out of the 21st floor and roof of the Lehigh Valley's tallest building, which has been vacant since 2007.

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But less than two hours after the initial call, city fire officials were saying they were confident nothing in the building was burning, according to The Morning Call.

Firefighters strapped on airpacks and combed through all 21 stories of the building and the roof where aircraft warning lights continue to operate, the newspaper reported.

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Perhaps a couple of dozen bystanders gathered in the new office and shopping plaza and the sidewalk on the other side of Eighth Avenue to watch the scene unfold.

Less than a mile away—on the campus of Moravian College Thursday night -- the future of the empty skyscraper and the 53 acres around it was debated by Democratic candidates for City Council and mayor.

Loaded with asbestos and lacking sufficient sprinklers, repurposing the building will be a costly venture for any developer. The question at hand for public officials is how much financial incentive should they provide to make redevelopment occur.

Built in 1972, Martin Tower was the last headquarters of the Bethlehem Steel Corp. before its ultimate demise in 2003. Tenant occupants remained for several years beyond that.

It was designed with its unique cruciform shape to provide more window and corner offices for Bethlehem Steel executives.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.