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
Customers Bank joins Reading CollegeTowne initiative
Partnership with 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ’s O’Pake Institute funds business incubator and student mentorig
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ and Kutztown partner for small business development
O’Pake Institute and Small Business Development Center advance Reading entrepreneurship
Pepsi® partners with Reading CollegeTowne
Initiative’s first corporate partnership supports experiential learning and local entrepreneurs
CollegeTowne begins in the City of Reading
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ acquires building at 401 Penn St.
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ selects design and build team for CollegeTowne project
RLPS Architects and Warfel Construction retrofit 401 Penn Street
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ and Lehigh Valley Angel Investors resource entrepreneurs
CollegeTowne creates funding highway for Reading businesses
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ and SCORE advance economic development in SE Pa.
Community gains access to training/mentorship
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ and I-LEAD finalize purchase of 401 Penn Street
University moves closer to expansion in downtown Reading
