How Did We Get Here and Where Will We Go Next? Mountaintop Has a Rich History and a Bright Future!
History
1963 plans for Building C
Mountaintop: A Legacy of Innovation and Research
Originally built as a cutting-edge research facility for Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Mountaintop stands as a testament to groundbreaking innovation. In 1961, the Bethlehem Steel Corporation opened the $25 million Homer Research Laboratories Complex, dedicated to advancing steel technology and industry. The complex was named in honor of Arthur B. Homer, Bethlehem Steel’s Chairman and CEO, and a dedicated Lehigh trustee.
At the time, Bethlehem Steel was the second-largest steel producer in the world, and the Homer Research Laboratories was the largest steel testing facility globally. The campus became home to nearly 1,000 scientists, engineers, and technicians, driving pioneering research and creating numerous patents. Today, it serves as a dynamic space for Lehigh’s students, faculty, and staff to continue the tradition of innovation and discovery.
A Hub of Scientific Excellence
The 72-acre campus, located atop Bethlehem's South Mountain and surrounded by 670 acres of untouched land, was purposefully designed to foster cutting-edge research. The complex featured eight buildings dedicated to fields including physics, metallurgy, chemistry, ceramics, chemical engineering, and industrial health. One standout feature was a 210-foot diameter pond, holding 1.5 million gallons of water, which supplied cooling to the air-conditioning systems in the surrounding buildings.
The campus also housed state-of-the-art equipment, including a rare electron microscope used in metallurgical research, a 500-ton hydraulic press, and mechanical testing structures capable of withstanding loads up to 1 million pounds. In 1962, a $4 million chemistry building was added to further advance studies on steel’s resistance to corrosion. In 1963, Arthur B. Homer received the esteemed Medal for the Advancement of Research from the American Society for Metals, a recognition of his exceptional leadership and transformative impact on the steel industry. This prestigious award celebrated not only his personal vision but also the groundbreaking contributions of the Homer Research Laboratories, which became a global leader in steel research under his guidance.
Donald Stabler '30 and Lee Iacocca '45 celebrate the dedication of Mountaintop
Mountaintop: A Nexus for Innovation, Education, and Collaboration
Lehigh first considered purchasing the properties in 1986, with the dual aims of connecting Asa Packer and Goodman and acquiring new research space. The campaign to purchase and endow Mountaintop was led by Chairman Lee Iacocca ‘45, and was made possible by his leadership as well as the generosity and commitment of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the U.S. government and numerous alumni, corporations, foundations, and friends. In December 1986, Bethlehem Steel sold five of the eight buildings at Mountaintop and the surrounding land to Lehigh University. They were renamed Mountaintop Campus and officially dedicated on June 6, 1991. Three buildings were retained by Bethlehem Steel and continued to operate as the Homer Research Laboratories. In total, the buildings purchased by Lehigh provided 370,000 new acres of floor space.
Iacocca Hall in the 1980s
In 1987, Lehigh University took a bold step in expanding its presence on Mountaintop by relocating the College of Education to Iacocca Hall, named in honor of legendary alumnus Lee Iacocca ‘45. This move not only solidified Lehigh’s commitment to cutting-edge education, but also brought a unique blend of disciplines under one roof. Today, Iacocca Hall houses the College of Education, its university-based autism services clinic, several Bioengineering labs, the Health Research Hub, and the Biological Sciences Department, which thrives in over 33,000 square feet of wet lab space, fueling groundbreaking research.
From the top of the Stabler Observation Tower within Iacocca Hall, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lehigh’s vibrant campus and the city of Bethlehem, with notable landmarks like the Clayton University Center, Zoellner Arts Center, SteelStacks, and Bethlehem City Hall visible in the distance. This iconic vantage point connects Mountaintop to the heart of the Lehigh community and the broader region.
A New Era of Innovation and Collaboration
In May 2013, Lehigh expanded its footprint on Mountaintop with the acquisition of Buildings B and C, adding a combined 120,000 square feet of space dedicated to student innovation. This marked the beginning of the Mountaintop Initiative, a transformative program that invites students to collaborate on interdisciplinary, real-world projects. These projects break down traditional academic silos, bringing together faculty, students, and external partners to tackle complex challenges.
Launched in the summer of 2013, the Mountaintop Summer Experience (often referred to as the Mountaintop Projects) has since become a hallmark of Lehigh’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning. Over the past decade, this acclaimed initiative has given students and faculty the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and participate in interdisciplinary deep dives that explore new questions, theories, products, and innovations, and develop solutions with real-world impact, all while immersed in the collaborative spirit that defines Mountaintop.
In January 2017, the Office of Creative Inquiry was formed at Lehigh University with a mandate to create the infrastructure for Mountaintop-style projects to happen 12 months out of the year. Eight years later, the summer program continues to thrive, and the Impact Fellowship program provides a vehicle for these projects to continue beyond the summer, to have an impact beyond Lehigh’s campus, and to foster an innovative, inquiry-driven, entrepreneurial mindset in all students who participate. The annual Lehigh Expo provides a platform for students to showcase the creativity and hard work they've poured into their projects, celebrating their achievements and the real-world impact of their efforts.
Students Showcase Projects at Lehigh Expo
The Freedom to Ask Their Own Questions
Building C Transformed
In 2018, Building C underwent a major renovation, transforming it into a dynamic, interdisciplinary hub that fosters collaboration across diverse fields. It now serves as a cutting-edge space for the Art, Architecture and Design Department alongside the Computer Science & Engineering Department, blending creativity with technical expertise. Building C is also home to pioneering research initiatives, including the Institute for Data, Intelligent Systems, and Computation (I-DISC), the Autonomous and Intelligent Robotics (AIR) Lab, the Small Cities Lab, and the Data Science Department. These centers of innovation are driving the next generation of breakthroughs in technology, robotics, and data science. A standout feature of Building C is its 30,000 square feet of high bay space, a one-of-a-kind venue that provides ample room for large-scale projects, events, and collaborations. This versatile space serves as the perfect setting for students, faculty, and partners to push the boundaries of innovation.
The Future of Mountaintop: A Transformative Destination for Innovation and Impact
Lehigh’s Strategy, Inspiring the Future Makers, drives our commitment to shaping a bold future through three core goals: Make it New, Make a Difference, and Make it Together. These guiding principles fuel our ambition to innovate, create change, and collaborate across all sectors. To bring this vision to life, we have outlined specific initiatives that will guide our investments and actions. One of these key initiatives is to Transform Mountaintop.
Our vision for Mountaintop is truly transformational. We see it evolving into a vibrant epicenter of research, creativity, and community engagement, where the goals of Lehigh’s strategic plan come to fruition. Mountaintop will serve as a place where cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and collaborative partnerships fuel the next generation of breakthroughs, shaping not only the future of Lehigh University but also the Lehigh Valley and beyond. This ambitious transformation will position Mountaintop as a distinctive differentiator for Lehigh—an inspiring space where imagination meets action.
Our Vision for Mountaintop: Anything is Possible Here
Lehigh will fully activate Mountaintop, turning it into a dynamic hub for innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Aligned with the Lehigh Strategy, Mountaintop will spark creativity, encourage bold ideas, and empower groundbreaking work. Here, the boundaries of academia, industry, and community will converge, making it the ultimate destination to push the limits of what’s possible.
Mountaintop in the Campus Plan: Shaping the Future Together
In early 2024, Lehigh engaged a team led by Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB) to craft a visionary and comprehensive campus plan. In-person events and a virtual survey have provided students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to actively contribute their ideas and feedback. This collaborative effort supports the transformation of Mountaintop as part of the broader campus vision.