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The Berkshire: From historic hotel to new housing in downtown Reading

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 18:46 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Historic Reading Hotel to Transform Downtown Landscape with New Residential Development

In a bold move to breathe new life into downtown Reading, a decades‑old hotel that once served as the city’s social hub is set to be converted into a mixed‑use residential complex. The redevelopment, dubbed “The Berkshire Project,” brings together the rich architectural heritage of the building with a forward‑looking vision for the city’s future. According to local sources and recent city council reports, the project is poised to deliver new housing options, boost economic activity, and preserve a landmark that has been on the verge of obsolescence for nearly two decades.

A Legacy Built in the Early 20th Century

The original hotel, known as The Berkshire, opened its doors in 1926 on Main Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Designed by the notable Philadelphia architectural firm Reid & Roderick, the building showcased the classic Beaux‑Arts style, with a prominent façade of limestone, a soaring copper‑clad dome, and an interior layout that featured grand ballrooms, a polished marble lobby, and 150 guest rooms. For several generations, the hotel was a gathering place for the Reading community, hosting weddings, business conferences, and cultural events. Its elegant décor, including hand‑carved woodwork and period murals, made it an architectural treasure.

The Berkshire thrived until the late 1970s, when economic downturns and a shift in hotel tourism patterns led to a decline in occupancy. In 1983, the hotel closed its doors permanently, leaving the building vacant and in need of repairs. Over the years, the structure has been used sporadically for storage, temporary offices, and even a pop‑up restaurant, but no long‑term solution was ever found. By the early 2010s, the building was in a state of disrepair, its historic façade weathered and its interior gutted.

A Vision for Renewal

The redevelopment plan, unveiled by Urban Renewal Inc. in collaboration with the Reading Redevelopment Authority, aims to preserve the historic façade while modernizing the interior for contemporary living. The project will convert the building into a 60‑unit residential tower with ground‑floor retail space. Units will range from studios to two‑bedroom apartments, targeting a mix of income levels, with a portion of the units earmarked for low‑to‑moderate income families as part of the city’s inclusionary housing program.

According to the city’s Planning Commission meeting minutes, the project will incorporate sustainable design elements, including solar panels on the roof, energy‑efficient HVAC systems, and a green roof that will provide stormwater management and a pocket of green space for residents. The ground floor will host a café, a co‑working space, and a small gallery showcasing local artists, aiming to create a vibrant street life that aligns with downtown Reading’s revitalization strategy.

Funding and Partnerships

A key aspect of the project’s feasibility lies in its financing structure. The developers have secured a $7 million grant from the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Trust, which provides tax credits for restoring historic properties. In addition, the city will allocate $2 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s $50 million “Historic Preservation Incentive Fund” for the project. The remaining construction costs, estimated at $25 million, will be financed through a combination of private equity and a construction loan.

An important partnership has emerged with the Reading Historical Society, which will oversee the preservation of significant architectural details. The Society has already begun a detailed inventory of the building’s original features, including the lobby’s vaulted ceiling and the ballroom’s hand‑painted ceiling. The Society’s role is to ensure that any alterations meet the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s standards for historic preservation.

Community Impact

The Berkshire Project has sparked a spirited debate among downtown Reading residents and stakeholders. Proponents argue that the development will bring new residents, increase foot traffic, and create a “sense of belonging” that downtown has lacked in recent years. The project will also generate jobs, both during construction and in the building’s future operations.

City officials emphasize that the inclusionary housing component will provide a much‑needed housing option for low‑to‑moderate income families. According to the Reading Housing Authority, the project will deliver 12 units specifically designated for rent‑assisted tenants, ensuring a diverse and vibrant community.

Opponents have voiced concerns about increased density and potential strain on local infrastructure. They worry that the influx of new residents could lead to traffic congestion and overcrowding of public services. In response, developers have pledged to collaborate with the city on traffic studies and propose improvements such as enhanced bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and a revised parking strategy that prioritizes shared parking with nearby businesses.

Timeline and Next Steps

If all approvals are obtained, the project will enter the construction phase by early 2025. The developers plan to complete construction in 24 months, targeting a grand opening in the fall of 2027. The project is also slated to receive a National Trust for Historic Preservation award for exemplary adaptive reuse if successful, according to a recent announcement by the Reading Historical Society.

In the interim, the developers are working closely with the city’s City Planning Department to finalize the Detailed Development Agreement and ensure compliance with all zoning ordinances. The city’s Housing and Community Development office will oversee the allocation of the low‑income units and monitor adherence to inclusionary housing requirements.

Looking Forward

The transformation of The Berkshire from a dormant, historic hotel into a thriving residential and cultural hub marks a significant step in Reading’s broader downtown revitalization plan. By marrying historic preservation with contemporary design and community‑focused programming, the project illustrates how adaptive reuse can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and social cohesion.

As the city watches the first cranes lift on the 15‑story tower, downtown Reading’s skyline is set to be reshaped, reflecting both its storied past and a promising, inclusive future. The project underscores the idea that preserving the past does not mean sacrificing progress; rather, it can provide the foundation upon which new stories are written.