The Reading Planning Commission is paving the way for the redevelopment of a former Albright College dormitory on North 13th Street into 38 apartment units.

The commission voted at its monthly meeting in late October to approve a preliminary/final land development plan for Albright Court Apartments.

The century-old former dormitory has been vacant since 2023.

Albright College sold a former dormitory at 1420 N. 13th St. and an adjacent lot at 1430 N. 13th St. to S.I. Holdings IV LLC for $425,000 in September 2024. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)Albright College sold a former dormitory at 1420 N. 13th St. and an adjacent lot at 1430 N. 13th St. to S.I. Holdings IV LLC for $425,000 in September 2024. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)

Albright College sold the building, 1420 N. 13th St., and adjacent lot, 1430 N. 13th St., to S.I. Holdings IV LLC for $425,000 in September 2024.

The plan involves annexing two parcels into a single property.

Officials said a land development plan was required to comply with an earlier zoning hearing board decision related to the number of parking spaces and other site features.

According to the city’s planning staff, a landscaping plan was submitted and is under review by the city arborist.

The project will also include a 4-foot-high fence separating the parking area from neighboring properties. That design detail was added after discussions with the applicant and nearby property owners.

During a Sept. 26 site inspection, city staff said code officials identified several infrastructure improvements to be included as conditions of approval, including replacement of deteriorated sidewalk and curb sections at the corner property along North 13th and Amity streets.

Following a discussion on stormwater management, the applicant agreed to address outdated drainage connections and convert certain paved areas into permeable surfaces to improve runoff control.

The commission also reviewed accessibility features, parking layout and the relocation of a city light pole to improve vehicle access to the site. Six parking spaces accessible from the rear alley will be designated for use by specific apartment units.

The commission’s approval was granted subject to the applicant resolving all technical comments outlined in a review letter from Hawk Valley Associates, the city’s planning consultant.