Latest news with #BeauxArts-style
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Demolition of 2 Penn Street buildings nears completion
The demolition of two Reading-owned buildings on Penn Street was winding down Friday. Emergency demolition of the structurally compromised buildings at 431 and 433 Penn St. began May 15. Based on structural assessments, the city said, it was determined both buildings posed an imminent risk to public safety, leaving demolition as the only responsible option. Only the façade of the 1912 Beaux Arts-style structure at 431 Penn was 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. No parts of 433 Penn could be salvaged because of severe deterioration, officials said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Demolition work winding down on Penn Street building
Demolition work is winding down at the rear of the building at 431 Penn St., one of several Reading-owned buildings near Penn Square. Work in the 400 block of Court Street began early this month. Work on the Penn Street side of the building was completed in March. The building is the most problematic in the string of five vacant properties, 431-443 Penn St., that the city bought for $2.6 million in 1.22-acre site on the northwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets is in the Callowhill Historic District. Only the 1912 Beaux Arts-style front of the structure at 431 Penn St. 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. City Council last year authorized an agreement of sale for the five buildings with developer Philly Office Retail, but the deal has not yet been finalized.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Demolition begins on Court Street side of downtown Reading building
Demolition work has begun on the rear of 431 Penn St., one of several Reading-owned buildings near Penn Square. Crews operating heavy machinery early Tuesday dug into the Court Street-facing end of the building with the jaw-like pincers of the excavator, making quick work of the exterior walls. While work is underway in the 400 block of Court Street, the following street closures will be in effect until further notice: • Court Street between Fourth and Fifth streets and Madison Avenue between the Madison building parking lot at Washington and Court streets will be closed. • Local traffic will be permitted to use Court Street from Fourth Street to the Madison parking lot and from Fourth Street to the garage door on Madison Avenue at the rear of 401 Penn St. During this period, Court Street and Madison Avenue will operate as two-way streets to allow limited local access within the affected areas. Work on the Penn Street side of the building was completed in March. The building is the most problematic in the string of five vacant properties, 431-443 Penn St., that the city bought for $2.6 million in 2013. The 1.22-acre site on the northwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets is in the Callowhill Historic District. Only the 1912 Beaux Arts-style front of the structure at 431 Penn St. 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. City Council last year authorized an agreement of sale for the five buildings with developer Philly Office Retail, but the deal has not yet been finalized.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stretch of Reading's Penn Street reopened after demolition completed
A demolition project in the 400 block of Penn Street has been completed, and the road has reopened, Reading officials announced Monday morning. A stretch of Penn Street was closed due to the partial demolition of 431 Penn St., one of several city-owned buildings near Penn Square. The building is the most problematic in the string of five vacant properties, 431-443 Penn St., bought by the city in 2013 for $2.6 million. The 1.22-acre site on the northwest corner of Fifth and Penn streets is in the Callowhill Historic District. Only the 1912 Beaux Arts-style front of the structure at 431 Penn St. 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. Council last year authorized an agreement of sale for the five buildings with the developer Philly Office Retail, but the deal has not yet been finalized. The 400 block of Penn Street has reopened to traffic following the partial demolition of the property at 431 Penn, the building with the white Reading News facade. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
