The acquisition of a property near FirstEnergy Stadium will help reshape a prominent but underutilized entry point into the city, officials say.
Council recently voted unanimously to approve an agreement of sale for 2040 Centre Ave., a former bank building next to the stadium, for $505,000.
The purchase is structured as a shared acquisition between the city and stadium manager Reading Baseball L.P., the ownership group of the Reading Fightin Phils. Each will pay an equal share of the purchase price and control will be integrated into the existing stadium arrangement.
Council also approved action amending the city’s lease with the stadium to incorporate the parcel into the city-owned stadium complex.
City officials called the arrangement a sign of good faith and partnership.
Members of the city’s stadium commission said the acquisition has been years in the making and represents a rare opportunity to secure a key gateway property.
“You know, it’s been a long time,” said Jim Schlegel, chairman of the commission. “That building has been one that we’ve had our eye on for many, many years.”
Schlegel said previous attempts to acquire the property fell through due to funding challenges and other obstacles.
“There’ve been opportunities in the past, but never a good one,” he told council before the vote. “If we don’t do it now, I’m not sure when an opportunity will come about to do it again.”
While no final plans have been set for use of the property, Schlegel said the site could play an important role in shaping visitors’ first impression of the city, particularly those entering the city and stadium from the north.
The location presents an opportunity to reinforce the city’s identity as Baseballtown, he said. The designation isn’t just a nickname, he noted, it’s actually a federally registered trademark that grew from the city’s deep and continuous relationship with baseball.
“We have the only town in the country that has the name of Baseballtown,” Schlegel said. “And when people come in Centre Avenue and they see a sign that says, ‘Welcome to Baseballtown, Reading, Pennsylvania,’ I think it would really send a statement.”
Former Councilman Michael Shorn, speaking as a member of the stadium commission, also urged council to act.
“I’m just here to support all five members of the stadium commission,” Shorn said. “Please, let’s find a way to get this finished and bring that facility back to the city and make it a complete entity for Baseballtown.”
Council members also described the property as a highly visible entry point into Reading.
“If you’re coming into the city (on Route 61) that dilapidated bank building is the first thing you see, and it’s a bad example of what we want to see moving forward,” Councilman Raymond Baker said.
Council President Donna Reed noted the long history tied to the stadium property and said the acquisition will help advance a broader vision of unifying the area under city and stadium control.
City officials said the purchase, combined with the lease amendment, will strengthen the city’s partnership with the stadium and create new possibilities for future development.
“This was not an easy, straightforward transaction,” Managing Director Jack Gombach said. “It was a team effort.”