Reading City Council hears appeal for proposed addition next to historic Trexler Mansion | Reading Area

READING, Pa. – Reading City Council met Wednesday to conduct a public hearing on an appeal from developer Alan Shuman for the construction of a one-story new addition near the rear of the historic Trexler Mansion at 46 S. Fifth St.

The address of the proposed addition is 42 S. Fifth St.

The Colonial Revival-style Trexler Mansion was originally constructed in 1869 and named after the Trexler family, who held a majority stake in the Reading Iron Works.

From 1908 until 1978, it was home to the Elks Lodge.

After years of disrepair, Shuman Development Group began an $8 million renovation project in 2023, which is still in progress.

The property is in the Callowhill historic district.

Shuman explained that as part of the ongoing renovations, he had to purchase the property at 42 S. Fifth St. to gain access to the north side of the Trexler Mansion for construction purposes.

While there is currently no Reading Historical Architectural Review Board because of a mass resignation of all the members, City Council had granted the historic preservation officer and the zoning administrator temporary authority to issue certificates of appropriateness for requested work in the historic districts.

The preservation officer is on leave, and the zoning administrator position is currently vacant.

Because the Trexler Mansion is a significant historical structure, David Barr, the director of community development, sent a letter to Shuman on May 1, informing him that his proposal must be reviewed and considered by City Council.

The proposed one-story addition would include an enclosed porch with stained glass windows.

During the public hearing, Shuman explained his plans are to build the porch on the footprint of an 1880s original porch.

To enclose the new porch, Shuman said the plan is to remove and restore stained glass windows at a church at 125 N. Sixth St.

Shuman said the windows must be removed because they are currently in poor condition.

The proposed porch is blocked from view from South Fifth Street and from Franklin Street.

Shuman said only one of the stained-glass windows would be visible from Madison Avenue.

The building, which faces the rear of the Trexler Mansion, will be used as a bed and breakfast, Shuman said.

City Council is expected to render a decision by resolution at either its May 26 or June 8 regular meeting.