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
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ breaks ground on $20 million CollegeTowne renovation project
Starbucks coming to 401 Penn Street
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ secures record-breaking $4 million grant
PA RACP grant funds Reading-based initiative
Wyomissing Foundation bestows $300k grant for CollegeTowne initiative
Three-year award provides support for student powered business incubator
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ to launch three engineering programs
New programs meet student interest, market demand and region’s workforce needs
RKL joins CollegeTowne; Barrett named Executive-in-Residence
Local entrepreneurs, 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ students can access business valuation services, expertise as RKL joins Reading CollegeTowne initiative
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ’s O’Pake Institute joins Ben Franklin Technology Partners Incubator Network
New partnership jump-starts university’s CollegeTowne initiatives
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ and DoubleTree partner for student housing
Resident students experience downtown Reading as part of campus de-densification
O’Pake powers CollegeTowne
The re-engineering of the O'Pake Institute is powering the CollegeTowne initiative
