Alvernia University marked a major milestone in its ongoing CollegeTowne initiative Wednesday morning with a ceremonial wall-breaking at the historic American House building in downtown Reading, signaling the next phase of a project aimed at expanding healthcare access, workforce development and student learning opportunities.
University leaders, community partners, elected officials and students gathered at 354 Penn St. for the event, which highlighted the renovation of the 45,000-square-foot property into a community-centered hub.
Thomas Minick, vice president for advancement and government affairs at Alvernia, said the wall-breaking represents “a visible step in the transformation of this historic building into a community-centered hub that expands access to health care, strengthens workforce development, and creates experiential learning opportunities for Alvernia University students here in the heart of downtown Reading.”
The American House project is part of Alvernia’s broader CollegeTowne model, which focuses on connecting education, economic development and community services through partnerships. During remarks, Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald said the initiative reflects a long-term commitment to the city.
“When Alvernia first shared our vision to expand into downtown Reading, we spoke about CollegeTowne as more than a project,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s a long-term commitment to Reading, to partnerships, and to progress.”
Fitzgerald said more than $63 million has been invested across CollegeTowne projects to create spaces where students learn and live while community partners provide services. The renovated American House building will house expanded healthcare services through Berks Community Health Center, business incubation space through the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, and additional tenants including John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Artesian Smiles and Gym-Jam Therapeutics.
The health center component is expected to increase access to coordinated care while providing clinical learning opportunities for students in nursing, physician assistant studies, therapy programs, social work and counseling.
Mayor Eddie Morán described the project as a symbol of collaboration and momentum in the city’s revitalization efforts.
“This American House project is the physical representation of what happens when we stop working in silos and start working as one,” Morán said. “We’re not just breaking a wall today, folks. We’re breaking ground on a brighter, healthier future for the City of Reading.”
Berks Community Health Center President and CEO Mary Kargbo said the downtown location addresses ongoing barriers to care and is expected to serve more than 2,000 patients in its first year.
“The project is not just about bricks and mortar,” Kargbo said. “It is about dignity. It is about equity. And it is about investing in the long-term vitality of downtown Reading.”
Plans for the building also include a café operated by the John Paul II Center for Special Learning, designed as a hands-on training environment for students. Principal Kaylee Simcik said the space will help students develop skills related to employment and entrepreneurship.
“This is an opportunity we simply would not have had the means to create on our own,” Simcik said.
Following the remarks, speakers participated in a ceremonial wall-breaking using sledgehammers before tours.
Project timelines shared after the event indicate the café is expected to open around August 2026, the health center by December 2026, and the remainder of the building by fall 2027.
