From County of Berks
The County of Berks is taking a forward-looking, fiscally responsible step to ensure the long-term stability of county government operations with the proposed acquisition of the former Wells Fargo building at 600 Penn St. in Reading, a site deeply rooted in our community’s history as the home of Pomeroy’s department store.
This decision follows several years of careful planning surrounding much-needed renovations to the Berks County Services Center and the Berks County Courthouse. The Services Center, constructed in the mid-1990s, is due for its first major renovation in nearly 30 years. The last time the county’s iconic-but-aging Courthouse had any sort of major renovation was when the County Services Building was built.
As planning progressed, it became clear that the cost to modernize the Courthouse was rapidly escalating, with estimates exceeding $130 million. These costs are driven not only by planned improvements, but by the immense challenge of replacing and bringing up to modern building codes more than 19 floors of aging, century-old infrastructure.
After evaluating all available options, the County Commissioners and administration determined that acquiring 600 Penn St. represents the most practical and strategic solution. By transforming this centrally located property into a County Government Center, Berks County will consolidate most non-judicial departments into a modern, efficient workspace while maintaining a strong presence within the county seat.
This move also allows the existing Services Center to be reimagined as a dedicated Judicial Center, providing sufficient space to accommodate the courts, judges’ chambers, court administration, the Sheriff’s Office, and related services currently housed in the Courthouse. In doing so, the County creates a safer, more reliable environment for judicial operations and the public.
Importantly, this approach establishes a critical safeguard, providing the County with operational flexibility should the current Courthouse become uninhabitable due to infrastructure failure.
From a financial standpoint, the acquisition of 600 Penn St. is expected to avoid approximately $70 million in future costs by eliminating the need for prolonged, floor-by-floor Courthouse renovations. This strategy not only reduces long-term expenses but also minimizes disruption to court services and daily government operations.
The County of Berks remains committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, preservation of essential services, and thoughtful investment in the future of our community. The purchase of 600 Penn St. balances fiscal prudence with the need to modernize, protect, and strengthen county government for the coming generations.
County of Berks Departments that are moving to 600 Penn:
- Solicitor
- Human Resources
- Budget & Finance
- Purchasing
- Recorder of Deeds
- Treasurer
- Tax Claim
- Controller
- Commissioners
- Operations/COO
- Election Services
- Chief Clerk
- Public Relations
- Children and Youth Services
- Mental Health/Developmental
- Disabilities
You Might Also Like
Purchasing Department | County Connection w/ Controller Rudderow
