Guzman commends $2.25 million grant for Medical Arts Building rehabilitation project

READING, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of $2.25 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for the ongoing rehabilitation project of Reading’s Medical Arts Building.

The project will involve construction of a two-story addition to the adjacent vacant lot. Exterior renovations will include masonry and window repair and roof replacement. Interior rehabilitation work will include modernization of ground-floor retail space, lobby restoration, utility improvements, and the addition of 35 residential apartments.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

“This ongoing rehabilitation project for this historic building is yet another example of taking existing structures and repurposing them for today’s use,” Guzman said. “Investing in the necessary upgrades for these historic structures allows the vibrant past of this city to be blended with Reading’s incredibly bright future.

“While I am given the honor of representing the 127th Legislative District, I will continue being a zealous advocate and fight for every resource available as we continue investing in the future of the great City of Reading. I look forward to the day where all of these envisioned projects evolve from blueprint planning to a reality that every citizen can see and enjoy.”

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity

Anyone seeking more information can reach Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529.