Preservation Pennsylvania has announced that the WCR Center for the Arts, formerly the Women’s Club of Reading, has been awarded the 2024 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award for Leadership in Public Impact. This award recognizes the WCR Center for the Arts excellence in using a historic building to enrich the community.
Located at 140 N. 5th Street in Reading’s historic Callowhill District, the WCR Center for the Arts has transformed its 19th-century building into a vibrant community hub. Originally the city’s first post office and later the Women’s Club of Reading, the WCR now serves as a unique performance and exhibition venue, fostering artistic exploration and community engagement.
In 2023, the WCR completed an accessibility project to ensure that the historic site is open to all, regardless of mobility challenges. The WCR’s initiatives, including arts education for low to moderate-income families and partnerships with local nonprofits, have created valuable opportunities for the Greater Reading community. The 265-seat auditorium, known for its exceptional acoustics, draws artists and audiences from across the nation, contributing to Reading’s cultural and economic revitalization.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for our commitment to preserving our historic building and enhancing community life,” said Jayme Rhoads, President, Board of Directors of the WCR Center for the Arts.
The 2024 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards recognize outstanding contributions to preserving Pennsylvania’s heritage. The WCR Center’s dedication to community impact and inclusivity has made it a deserving recipient of this award.
