Alvernia University: American House Press Release and Wall Breaking Ceremony
HCM’s SCHRADERGROUP Studio (SG) is excited to have celebrated Alvernia University’s Wall Breaking Ceremony for the American House rehabilitation and renovation project in Reading, PA, last month in February.
Photo by Sarah Matarella.
The American House, a historic landmark in downtown Reading, PA, was originally constructed in 1856 as a premier 4-story hotel and later converted to office space in the 20th century. After years of neglect, the building was acquired by Alvernia University for redevelopment into a multi-purpose facility serving the university and its affiliate tenants.
SG was entrusted with revitalizing the building, balancing historical preservation with modern functionality. The project included restoring lost hotel features, such as repurposing original entry doors to create a donor wall, and addressing critical architectural updates.
Key improvements included:
• Roof and window replacement, matching historical trim and muntin patterns
• Façade restoration and documentation of collapsed elements
• Upgrades to ADA accessibility, security systems, and elevators
• Enhanced building envelope for energy efficiency
SG executed a full interior demolition to assess and address structural damage, followed by a comprehensive fit-out to accommodate diverse uses, including a medical suite, office spaces, a display kitchen, community room, café, lecture halls, and a business incubator for the O’Pake Institute’s expansion. New elements included custom millwork, upgraded finishes, and advanced technology integration.
As the owner’s representative, SG guided all façade alterations through the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) to ensure compliance with preservation standards. The design aimed to honor the building’s historical significance while creating a vibrant space for community and educational engagement. Working closely with a consultant team, SG developed detailed budgets to bring the university’s vision to life.
Below is the Press Release Alvernia University publicly released last month on the project.
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Alvernia selects design and build team for American House at Reading CollegeTowne project
Advancing historic rehabilitation and phased interior renovations at 354 Penn St.
Reading, Pa. (Feb. 11, 2026)— Alvernia University selects SCHRADERGROUP Studio architect and Heim Construction Co. as general contractor for the American House at Reading CollegeTowne project, a phased rehabilitation of the historic, 45,000-square-foot building at 354 Penn St.
“American House is a key part of our CollegeTowne footprint and showcases our commitment to serving the Reading community through access, opportunity and partnerships,” said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “With SCHRADERGROUP and Heim Construction on board, we’re moving this project forward in a way that honors a historic building while creating welcoming, modern spaces for community health and student learning.”
Construction is underway, with demo work beginning in late 2025. Phase 1 exterior rehabilitation and the John Paul II Center for Special Learning tenant space are scheduled for completion in May 2026, followed by first- and second-floor work planned through December 2026 and overall occupancy anticipated in March 2027.
SCHRADERGROUP Principal Harry Pettoni will lead design for the project with construction administration led by Marcie Sorber. Heim Construction Co. President Roy Heim will oversee construction, supported by Project Manager Rory Donly. Alvernia invited seven general contractors to bid on the project.
“American House is a special project because it blends careful historic rehabilitation with spaces that will serve people every day,” said SCHRADERGROUP Principal Harry Pettoni. “Our team is focused on honoring the building’s character while creating welcoming, functional environments that support health, learning and community connection.”
The phased scope includes:
• Phase 1: exterior rehabilitation, restoration and conservation and the John Paul II Center for Special Learning tenant space.
• Phase 2: first- and second-floor renovations including the Berks Community Health Center, community room, healthy eating space, Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy room, and other retail spaces.
• Final phase: O’Pake Institute space and future tenant areas.
The building is located in Reading’s Callowhill Historic District and plans were reviewed and approved by the city’s Historical Architectural Review Board.
“This project is complex, phased and mission-driven, and we’re proud to partner with Alvernia on a build that strengthens downtown Reading,” said Heim Construction Co. President Roy Heim. “We’re committed to quality workmanship, clear coordination and responsible scheduling so the university and its partners can begin serving the community in these new spaces.”
American House will include a state-of-the-art community-based health center in partnership with Berks Community Health Center, offering primary care and wrap-around services such as mental health services, nutrition and wellness education, financial literacy education, social services assistance and warm hand-off referrals. The site will also host clinical experiential learning for Alvernia students, with BCHC projected to serve more than 2,000 unduplicated individuals during the first year of operation. The American House project is part of Phase III of Alvernia’s CollegeTowne initiative, which is designed to drive economic growth and community revitalization through strategic downtown investment. Alvernia launched the CollegeTowne initiative in Reading in late 2019. Since its launch, Alvernia has completed two phases of Reading CollegeTowne, investing a total of $60+ million into the City of Reading by purchasing and renovating the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, a 250,000-square-foot living and learning facility at 401 Penn Street.
A wall-breaking event is scheduled for February 25, 2026.
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About Alvernia University
Founded in 1958, Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university known for its mission-driven, community-engaged education that prepares students for high-impact, high-earning careers. Its SOLAR culture of care supports student success across eastern Pennsylvania through flexible program offerings, including an online presence, and strong partnerships. More than 18,000 Alvernia alumni create a network of ethical leaders and engaged citizens. For more information, visit www.alvernia.edu