READING, Pa. – Shuman Development Group has been heading up the restoration of the Trexler Mansion and former Elks Lodge on South 5th Street in Reading.
“We’re three years into it and almost to the point where we can start putting the finishes in, the painting of the walls,” says Alan Shuman, president of Shuman Development Group.
The latest part of the project is the construction of a rooftop conservatory based on the original 1928 blueprints.
“This gives you a good idea of what was planned and what would’ve happened if the stock market had not crashed,” says Shuman, showing WFMZ the blueprints. “[And it] gives you a good idea of what it’s going to look like when we’re done, as close as possible.”
The roof will have an open-air area with a Pergola and four garage-like doors that connect to a space which will be a mostly glass conservatory overlooking the city.
“We wanted to bring back Berks County’s first rooftop venue area,” says Shuman. “So, we put it into the plans, and we’ve been working on it. We’re finally getting it to where it was supposed to be in downtown Reading 100 years ago.”
Shuman says that as often as possible, he tries to do certified historic restorations. Because the projects have happened steadily over the years, it’s helped to develop local skilled craftsmen who, he says, are becoming masters in their fields.
Shuman expects the building to be done and open by or before winter.
“It is going to be hugely uplifting to me to finally get the occupancy permit reissued and see it put back into use after so many decades empty,” says Shuman.