State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, Wednesday announced that six major Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants totaling $19.5 million were awarded for projects in Berks County. The funds will benefit organizations in the fields of education, health and recreation, among others.
The grants include:
- Albright College, Leo Camp Building Renovation – $3 million. Albright plans to renovate the Camp Building – located on campus and owned by the College – into a state-of-the-art facility optimized for innovation and creativity.
- Alvernia University College Towne Infrastructure and Renovation III – $7.5 million. Alvernia University is undertaking Reading College Towne, a 2-phase, $40 million-plus expansion project in downtown Reading. The project features the redevelopment of a vacant, 6-floor building to house the university’s expanding academic programs and student housing. Phase 2 will include 84,000 square feet of renovation.
- First Energy Stadium – $2 million. This project will address the construction of the new facility and renovations to existing facilities as the stadium strives to meet the facility standards issued by Major League Baseball.
- Oakbrook Homes Center for Community Services – $1 million. This project will renovate the former boiler plant to create core, shell and exterior for the new Family Services Complex, as well as renovate an underutilized administration building to create the Neighborhood Resource Center.
- Olivet Boys and Girls Club – $1 million. This project addresses the safety and infrastructure needs and restoration of four long-standing club sites in Reading.
- RACC Weitz Heath Pavilion – $5 million. Weitz Hall will undergo these physical improvements: redesign classrooms/labs; move all health care programs into one building; create state-of-the-art simulation labs that provide clinical training; install simulated patient rooms with cardiac monitors, alarm and air supply systems that replicate real-life care.
“I applaud these major investments,” Guzman said. “These funds will help achieve long-awaited and necessary enhancements in our community. Revitalizations to educational institutions, health centers and recreational spaces have been some of my top priorities. I’m proud that all those efforts have paid off; this is memorable day for Berks County.”
