Medical Arts Building in Reading undergoes renovations with $2.25 million state funding

Shuman Development Group has received $2.25 million from the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to improve the Medical Arts Building in Reading. 

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Acting Secretary Neil Weaver toured the facility Thursday to see the rehabilitation work. 

 “The rehabilitation of the Medical Arts Building will have a huge impact in downtown Reading, and I’m glad the Wolf Administration could help make this possible,” Weaver said. “Not only will it create additional space for new businesses, but it also will provide apartments for those who want to live, work and play in the city.” 

The project, located at 230 N. 5th St., includes construction of a two-story addition in an adjacent vacant lot and exterior renovations including masonry, window repair and roof replacement. Interior work will include modernization of ground-floor retail space, lobby restoration, utility improvements and the addition of 35 apartments. 

“The Art Deco Medical Arts Building is a magnificent 1929 skyscraper that has been mostly vacant since 1976,” said Alan Shuman, president, Shuman Development Group. “It has faced possible demolition several times due to some structural issues but with the state’s assistance we can finally restore this grand building back to its original grandeur.” 

The Medical Arts Building was originally constructed as office space for doctors and dentists. The 12-story, 93-year-old building has been vacant since the 1980s, until this current project to renovate it into residential apartments and retail space. 

Weaver said that the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds support critical expansion projects, providing opportunities for additional employment training, job creation, and community services across the commonwealth.