CollegeTowne Initiative
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ launched the CollegeTowne initiative in Reading in late 2019. The concept featured three objectives:
• Changing how the university operates and grows
• Affecting the surrounding community and spurring economic development
• Helping 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ get noticed as an innovative force in higher education
Successful Start
Since the launch, 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing $60 million into the City of Reading.
John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ purchased and renovated the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, a 250,000-square-foot living and learning facility at 401 Penn Street.
Pottsville CollegeTowne
The university opened Pottsville CollegeTowne in downtown Pottsville in January 2023.
American House at Reading CollegeTowne
Phase III will include the renovation of the American House at Reading CollegeTowne, which will include a state-of-the-art community-based health center in partnership with Berks Community Health Center.
O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
The university will also add additional business incubator space for the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and retail space.
Learn More
CollegeTowne initiative fuels regional expansion
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ's forward-thinking initiative spurs development in downtown Reading and Pottsville.
Recent News
Faculty gain access to entrepreneurial resources
New position supports 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ faculty, staff and student entrepreneurial and scholarly activities
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ selects downtown Pottsville location
Pottsville CollegeTowne initiative takes first step
BCTV finds new home on Penn Street
Collaboration with 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ brings community media to CollegeTowne campus
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ partners with Royals to bring hockey back to Reading
Students gain access to experiential learning
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ partners with ReadingFilmFEST
O’Pake Institute provides business services as part of arts expansion
President's Column: To improve is to change...
President John R. Loyack shares his thoughts in the President's Column in the Winter 2021 issue of the 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ Magazine.
Visions joins Reading CollegeTowne
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ students gain access to micro lending training
New workplace development certificate programs meet local demand
O'Pake Institute programming allows professionals to remain competitive
