Reading has announced a pilot grant program aimed at spurring workforce housing development in downtown buildings with vacant or underused upper floors.
The City of Reading Downtown Housing Development, or COR-DHD, program will offer competitive grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for residential conversion and rehabilitation projects along the 200 through 500 blocks of Penn Street.
Officials said Reading faces a shortage of about 5,000 housing units, while many downtown upper-floor retail spaces remain vacant or underutilized.
The grants, they said, are intended to help property owners overcome costly barriers that often prevent the redevelopment of upper-floor spaces into housing units.
Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, nonprofit organizations and private individuals. Applicants must own the property for which funding is requested.
Mayor Eddie Moran said the initiative aligns with the city’s efforts to increase downtown housing and reactivate vacant spaces.
“This program helps us tackle a real need in our city while bringing new life to underused spaces downtown,” Moran said in a statement. “It’s about turning vacancies into homes, supporting our property owners, and continuing the momentum on Penn Street and in our downtown.”
The grants may be used for projects addressing significant non-cosmetic deficiencies, including structural stabilization, major building systems, correction of life-safety hazards and code deficiencies, roofing and drainage systems, heating and cooling infrastructure, and fire protection systems.
Applications will be accepted through July 3.
To apply, visit www.readingpa.gov/downtown-housing-development-grant-program-application.
For additional information, email DowntownHousingProgram@ReadingPA.gov or call 610-655-6253.