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 unveils newly opened School of Nursing
New 55,000-square-foot facility boasts simulation center and expanded lab space
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ's CollegeTowne fuels regional expansion
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ's strategy will create ripple effects, with redevelopment spurring more redevelopment, aided by public-private alliances.
Buzzing down Penn Street
Explore how 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ’s SPARK Business Incubator empowers students and entrepreneurs to revitalize Reading’s Penn Street through innovation.
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ joins Montgomery County Community College's University Center
Student-forward partnership promotes affordability and accessibility for adult learners
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ names School of Business
University receives largest alumni gift in 65-year history
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ and GoggleWorks expand partnership
Partnership includes four-year creativity degree and electives at a dynamic downtown art center
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ’s partners with St. Luke’s University Health Network
Academic partnership enhances workforce capabilities and provides tuition discount
17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ attends international technology transfer conference
Senior leader Ridley serves as higher education panelist; Ph.D. student lands AUTM fellowship
