The Bookbindery
Reading, Pennsylvania
Leasing Information

Description

• Rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of abandoned bookbindery
• 41 0ne-bedroom apartments in 4-story building
• Affordable for families
• Placed in service in 1991

Developer
Pennrose Properties

Architect
Muhlenberg Greene Architects, Ltd.
Reading, PA

General Contractor
Delran Builders Co, Inc.
Wyndmoor, PA

Management
Pennrose Management Company

The Challenge

Founded in the 1700s, Reading, Pennsylvania, prospered for over two centuries.   The mid-twentieth century decline of the heavy industries and railroads on which its wealth it had been built left in its wake boarded-up storefronts, absentee landlords, and vacant, crumbling, industrial buildings.   Hurricane Agnes in 1972 caused extensive flooding from which the city never completely recovered. Two decades later the vestiges of Reading's rich commercial past set the stage for new real-estate development opportunities. The Hispanic population was teeming as Puerto Ricans arrived to work in the mushroom plants outside the city limits. Various mushroom plant owners began to operate private transit systems, retrieving workers from the city and delivering them to the farms each day. The Spanish Speaking Council of Greater Reading and Berks County was formed to be a support for the workers. In concert with their articulated needs, Pennrose undertook the adaptive reuse of a vacant bookbindery to provide affordable housing for working families.  

The Solution

The Pennrose Development Team obtained funding for the project from a number of financial sources including among others, LIHTC and private equity, PHFA funds, and Section 8 vouchers. Having previously readapted a number of other industrial buildings in Philadelphia, the design team embarked upon the project with a wealth of experience.   All structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire, and security systems were evaluated and remediated. They provided on-site parking, attractive landscaping, and accessibility. The interior space was reconfigured into 41 two-and three-bedroom apartments that included living and dining rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and tiled baths. Conveniently located community rooms have afforded facilities for The Spanish Speaking Council of Greater Reading and Berks County to have a neighborhood soup kitchen and the Police Athletic League of Greater Reading to have recreation and education programs for youth development.  

Opened in 1991, The Bookbindery attests to the Pennrose Development Team's ability to both envision and implement the transformation of an abandoned structure from one of decay to one of life. Rehabilitated, The Bookbindery enhances the quality of life and serves as a center for a variety of resources within Reading's new growing community. Pennrose owns, manages and maintains the Bookbindery.

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