Berks Alliance Community Forum: Restoring the Pagoda

Restoring the Pagoda

The Pagoda has been the symbol of the City of Reading for over a century.  Situated on ten acres on top of Mount Penn, the Pagoda was constructed in 1908.  The Pagoda is a nationally registered historic site, providing a panoramic 30 mile view of Berks County.  Owned by the city, the Pagoda is managed by the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda.

In 2021, the Foundation began the process of assessing the need for updates and improvements.  Join us for an overview of the recently completed assessment reports outlining the status of the Reading Pagoda.  The current infrastructure of the interior and exterior, plus the walls and outdoor staircases will be discussed.  

Jim Boisseau, PE, Associate Vice President of Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson, Inc. will review an assessment of the scope of work for repairs to the retaining wall at the Pagoda’s foundation.  Robin Neff, a senior project manager with STV,  will present an overview of the results of a recent building condition assessment including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structural and interior architectural finishes, and the exterior structure.  Both professionals will provide recommendations to address the concerns, and share the cost estimates associated with the restoration. 

Members of City Council and the City of Reading Administration will also be in attendance to answer questions and discuss the strategies needed to restore the 1908 historic structure and symbol of the city for over a century.  The Foundation for the Reading Pagoda will also present the current data from 2-year survey conducted on the public vision for future use once the restoration has been completed.  Join us to learn more about the future of this important community asset.