Demolition begun on 2 Reading-owned buildings on Penn Street
Two Reading-owned buildings on Penn Street must be demolished for public safety, the city announced.
Emergency demolition of the structurally compromised buildings at 431 and 433 Penn St. has begun and will continue until further notice, the city said Wednesday in a release.
The empty structures in the Callowhill Historic District are in an advanced state of decay, Reading's chief building official told the city's Historical Architectural Review Board in a series of meetings last year.
The board reviews and makes recommendations on exterior construction projects in the city's historic and conservation districts.
Board members unanimously voted in December to issue a certificate of appropriateness for the partial demolitions of the buildings at 431 and 435 Penn St., with the partial demolition of 441 Penn St. if deemed necessary.
However, a provision in the city's preservation ordinance allows the chief building official to take immediate action when there is a threat to public safety.
Crews prepare for the complete demolition of the two buildings at 431-433 Penn St. A section of the parapet at 431 Penn St. was removed Wednesday and will be saved as an architectural artifact, the city said. (MICHELLE LYNCH/READING EAGLE)
Following thorough structural assessments last week, the city said, it was determined that both buildings pose an imminent risk to public safety, leaving demolition as the only responsible option.
The action was approved by Mayor Eddie Moran and reflects the city's commitment to safety, preservation where possible and the revitalization of the downtown corridor, according to the release.
'This action represents progress for our community,' the mayor said. 'We are taking this opportunity to clear unsafe, uninhabitable spaces while preserving the pieces of our history that we can.'
Mayor Eddie Moran has approved the complete demolition of both buildings at 431 and 433 Penn Street. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Efforts were made Wednesday to preserve part of the terra cotta parapet of the building at 431 Penn St. The section featuring the iconic Reading News lettering will be salvaged and safely stored, the city said.
Only the façade of the 1912 Beaux Arts-style structure is considered historic. Originally part of the former Reading News building at 22-24 N. Fifth St., it was transplanted piece by piece to its current location in 1981 as part of the former American Bank $6 million Keystone Project.
Due to the severe deterioration of 433 Penn St., no parts of that buildings can be salvaged, the release said.
The neighboring structure at 441 Penn St., which contains a façade of architectural and historic value, will remain in place, the city said.
The city said it has worked closely with the demolition contractor to ensure the stability and safety of that building and its adjacent properties on the northwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets. Proper shoring and security measures are being implemented to protect the integrity of those structure throughout the demolition process, the city said.
The city announced a partial demolition of 431 Penn St. in March with the hope of saving the front portion of the building.
Demolition to begin on Reading-owned building on Penn Street
That was later determined not feasible, the city said.
The city bought the string of five vacant buildings, 431-443 Penn St., for $2.6 million in 2013.
City Council last year authorized an agreement of sale for the 1.22-acre site with developer Philly Office Retail, but the deal has not yet been finalized.
Mayor Eddie Moran has approved the complete demolition of both buildings at 431 and 433 Penn Street. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
'As we move forward,' Moran said, 'our goal remains the same: to build a stronger, safer and more vibrant Reading for residents and future generations.'
During demolition, Court Street will remain closed between Fourth and Fifth streets, as it has been. In addition, sidewalks next to the buildings along Penn Street and Court Street will be closed to ensure the safety of pedestrians near the work zone.
Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution and follow posted signs when traveling near the demolition area.
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