new did logo
Reading Downtown Improvement

District Authority

 

 


March Downtown Happenings 

The Downtown Digest is Published by the

Reading Downtown Improvement District

 

Keeping Downtown Reading Clean and Safe Since 1995

 
100th Anniversary
The Penn Street Bridge / Penn Street Viaduct
1913-2013 
   B&W Penn Street Viaduct

The original Penn Street Bridge called the Harrisburg Bridge, was completed in 1818. It was 600 feet long and made out of wood at the cost of $50,000.00. The Great Freshet of 1850 caused a flood which washed it away so a second bridge was built in it's place.

 

The Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad Company demolished the second bridge in 1884 making way for a 924 feet long, iron bridge/viaduct after concerns that trains going under the wooden bridge would ignite it. This bridge lasted until 1913. When it was demolished and a new bridge/viaduct was constructed.

 

In 1913 the Concrete Open Spandrel Deck now known as the Penn Street Bridge/Penn Street Viaduct (pictured above) was built by L.H. Focht and Sons and designed by Benjamin Herman Davis. The 14 span, 1,336'-long viaduct is composed of 5 ribbed open spandrel arch spans with a 110' clear span and 9 closed spandrel arch approach spans. They have a 48' long clear span. The open spandrel spans have three ribs given the 80' width of the bridge, which is finished with handsome reticulated-pattern balustrades. It is the oldest of the 12 open spandrel arch bridges in the county. Penn Street is Reading's main east-west street, and the bridge is an excellent and complete example of the City Beautiful philosophy.

 

This beautiful bridge forms a gateway and centerpiece for east-west travel in and out of Reading.   The bridge is a relatively old surviving example of its kind, and it retains good historic integrity including original ornate concrete railings. It carries 4-lane city streets and sidewalks over the river and the former right-of-way of the Reading RR on the east (Reading) side. The tracks have been removed, and the old buildings in downtown Reading were removed as part of an urban renewal program. The area has been redeveloped with modern high-rise buildings along the east side. The west end is part of the interchange with US 422.

 

In 2007 it received a 4 out of 9 for deck, superstructure, and substructure condition. A rating of 4 for condition means that the bridge is in poor condition and also that the main structure is worsening over time. It was claimed to be "structurally deficient" and also received a 8.4 out of 100 for its sufficiency rating. It has not been maintained recently and is clearly deteriorating at an exponential rate. When you look at the bridge you can clearly see deep cracks, chips, and holes. Water also leaks through the bridge. You can see missing pieces of concrete and rust which indicate that water is present.

 

Given its integrity, age, size, and function as a centerpiece for the city this bridge should receive a high level of preservation priority.

 

YOUR DISTRICT STAFF STAFF 

Here to serve you 

645 Penn Street, Suite 505

Monday - Friday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Office: 610-376-6424

Fax: 610-376-6912

Ambassador Direct: 484-955-0315

 

Chuck Broad, Executive Director, 610-376-6424, ext 22  

charles.broad@downtownreading.com

 

Lynn Patton, Office Manager, 610-376-6424, ext 21

lynn.patton@downtownreading.com 

 

Merle Cattani, Ambassador Mgr, 610-376-6424, ext 23

merle.cattani@downtownreading.com   

 

Like us on Facebook  

 

Follow us on Twitter 

DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENTS
~ Our Ambassador's making improvements all over the district ~

BEFORE & AFTER
ash cans
trash cans
Mail Box 2
3 Mail Box
3 green
Mail Box 3
FUTURE D.I.D. EVENTS

Sponsor opportunities available for all upcoming events

Treasure Hunt Logo
 2013 Downtown Reading Treasure Hunt

MidDay Cafe
25th Annual MidDay Cafe Series

Planning Stages:
Fall 2013 - Fall Festival at the Gateway

Winter 2014 - Ice Festival

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

 

Fri March 1  

8:00 pm Get the Let Out

Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading, PA 19601

From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the big concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six accomplished musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin's studio recordings with all the bells and whistles. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, Get The Led Out re-create the songs in all their depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed live. Dubbed by the media as "The American Led Zeppelin," Get The Led Out present a two hour + set each night that spans the mythic career of the legendary British supergroup.

 

Sat March 2  

6:30 pm Dinner Prior to: Late Night Catechism
Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading, PA 19601

 

8:00 pm LATE NITE CATECHISM

Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading, PA 19601 

Catechism classes are never as much fun - or as hilarious - as when they are led by Sister in the international hit comedy LATE NITE CATECHISM by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. LATE NITE CATECHISM is an uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back - sometimes nostalgically, sometimes fearfully - to the children they once were. The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of "students" (the audience). Over the course of the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the "students" for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with everyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school, with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm.  

 

Fri March 8

 

7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Orlando Solar Bears

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

Travel Mug Giveaway (first 1,000 18 & older) courtesy of Perfetto Insurance Agency; Slapshot's Birthday Party presented by the Miller Law Group; Mascot Mania; Post-Game Clam Shoot presented by The Seafood Shanty!

 

8:00pm Lisa Lampanelli

Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading, PA 19601

Lisa Lampanelli is Comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean. Heralded as "more than a standup -- a standout," by comedy legend Jim Carrey, Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen. She has won accolades from The King of All Media Howard Stern, who called her "a true original and a brilliant comedy mind who'll steal the show every time." Known for saying things that most people are afraid to think, Lisa Lampanelli's raunchy, gut-busting performances are wildly popular at theaters across the U.S. and Canada

  

Sat March 9 

7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

 

Sun March 10

Daylight Saving Time Begins

 

Wed March 13

7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

Plastic Pint Glass Giveaway (first 1,500 - 21 & older) courtesy of All-Star  Distributing; $4.00 Yuengling Draft; H.O.G. 'Hockey's Our Game' Benefit presented by Classic Harley Davidson and Berks County H.O.G.

 

Friday, March 15

6:30pm Dinner Prior to The Hit Men

Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading, PA 19601

 

7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Elmira Jackals

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19601

American Cancer Society Relay for Life Night; Faith and Family Night; Royals Trading Card Set Giveaway (first 2,500) courtesy of Rieck's Printing

 

8:00pm Hit Men

Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading, PA 19601

Experience the greatest hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s the way you first heard them...from the guys who made and played them all. The Hit Men are Jimmy Ryan, Russ Velazquez, Lee Shapiro, Larry Gates and Gerry Polici. They  have preformed with mega-hit acts including Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Tommy James and The Shondells, The Critters, Jim Croce, Carly Simon and more. When THE HIT MEN take the stage, it's easy to see why  their music has transcended generations. These guys were the Four Seasons  who sang with Frankie Valli; they were with the Shondells who sang with  Tommy James, and many other artists. Finally, after years of performing in the  shadows, they have emerged as The Hit Men and are taking their music and shows around the world! This the rescheduled date from the postpnoed Friday, February 8 date. All tickets will be honored at this new date

 

Sat March 16

1:00pm Harlem Globetrotters

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19601

Your family's smiles will begin before you even get to the show as the Harlem Globetrotters 2013 "You Write the Rules" World Tour takes kid participation to a whole new level. For the first time ever, fans will decide the rules for the game that could affect the final outcome. Vote for your favorite, craziest rule now at  www.harlemglobetrotters.com then see the winning rules implemented live  into Globetrotter basketball. After the game, Globetrotter stars remain on court  for autographs and photographs with fans.* Before the game, take part in a  once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you get to actually spend time on the court with the Globetrotters - shooting, trying out ball tricks,  autographs and photos! The unique 30-minute pre-show, "Magic Pass," will  create memories of a lifetime. # Then the player options: This year's  Globetrotters roster features stars such as Big Easy Lofton and Scooter Christensen. They will join many other fan favorites, including, 7-ft 4-in Stretch  Middleton and female star TNT Maddox.** * subject to availability ** rosters may vary in each city and are subject to change # All customers must have a  game ticket AND Magic Pass for entry. Magic Pass sold separately. Soft/rubber  soled shoes must be worn on court. Please note: Everyone attending Magic  Pass must have a Magic Pass ticket as well as a game ticket. If you plan on  attending Magic Pass, please make sure you have BOTH tickets. This includes  all children as well as the parent/guardian who wants to accompany them.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Cincinnati Cyclones

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

There is one area in which the Royals have an undeniably well-documented track record of success: giving away cash money in our annual St. Pattrick's Day Celebration. In fact, in two of the five years that we've hosted this  promotion, a lucky fan has walked out of the Sovereign Center $10,000.00 richer. In 2008, it was Ned Lukacevic who won the big pay day for fan Julie Deam with his hattrick against the Wheeling Nailers; and last year, Mikael Bedard's third goal of the night not only proved to be the over-time game winner against the  Nailers, it also simultaneously struck gold for Royals' fan Mickey Kerchner. Hey, this year it could be you! All you need to do to win the $10,000.00 is be one of the sixteen fans selected to participate in the contest-and then pick the guy who's got magic in his stick that night. And, even if that doesn't work out for you, as  long as you're one of the first 2,500 fans to show up to the Royals game on  Saturday, March 16 (@ 7:05 pm), against the Cincinnati Cyclones,  you'll pick up a Royals' hat courtesy of Quadrant/Lasting Image Promotional  

Products.

 

Sun March 17

St. Patrick's Day

 

Fri March 22

7:00pm Third Day with Colton Dixon & Josh Wilson

Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

Special guests: Colton Dixon and Josh Wilson

 

Sat March 23

10:00am DECO DART 5K & 1 MILE KIDS FUN RUN/WALK

Starts at the Schlegel Park pool - 101 N. Carroll St., Reading, PA 19611

LOCATION/REGISTRATION: Starts at the Schlegel Park pool -  101 N. Carroll St., Reading, PA 19611

Deco Dart 5K Registration Form

Sponsor Form Deco Dart 5K Run

  

8:00pm

2012-2013 Reading Symphony Orchestra #4

William Wolfram, Piano Gade-Hamlet Overture Grieg-Piano Concerto Dvorák-New World Symphony No. 9

 

Thu March 28

7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Trenton Titans

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Music Education Night; Team Poster Giveaway (first 5,000) presented by Reading Eagle; Post-Game Autograph Session

 

Fri March 29

8:00pm The LOS ANGELES PIANO QUARTET

The WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading

The LOS ANGELES PIANO QUARTET

 

Sat March 30

7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Elmira Jackals

Sovereign Center 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

Fan Appreciation Night, Rally Towel Giveaway (first 5,000) courtesy of Habitat for Humanity; Car Giveaway presented by Diamond Credit Union

 

Sun March 31

Easter
 

 

BACK TO THE TOP 

Reading Public Library

libraryThe Teen Department at

The Reading Public Library

100 South Fifth Street

 Reading, PA  19602 ~ 610-655-6350


 ~~TEEN RESOURCES~~  

Click on the topic for more information  

  

  

BERKS TALK LINE


Reading Public Library has a Main library and three branches serving the Berks County community. For more information, log on to www.reading.lib.pa.us or call610-655-6365.

  
 
National Crime Prevention Picture

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING ~ Not as Easy as it Looks

MCGRUFF 

Texting while driving is a detrimental epidemic in the United States; it's dangerous and has serious consequences. Statistics show that in 2011 at least 23 percent of auto collisions involved cell phones. That's more than one million accidents! Texting makes a crash 23 times more likely to occur.

 

Texting while driving includes the acts of composing, sending, or reading a text message or email, or doing anything else on a cellular device while driving a vehicle. The minimum amount of time your eyes are diverted from the road because of texting is five seconds; if you're driving 55 mph that equals driving the entire length of a football field without looking at the road. Think of how many obstacles there are for the 100 yards of a football field... can you imagine how many there would be on the road?  

 

Although dangerous, it is not uncommon among teenage drivers or adults to text while driving. Seventy-seven percent of young adults are confident that they can safely drive a vehicle while texting. The percentage is so high because 48 percent of kids ages 12-17 have been in a vehicle while the driver was texting. If kids grow up seeing adults, parents, or caregiver's texting and using their cell phones while operating motor vehicles, the kids are going to think it is acceptable.

 

Ways to prevent texting and driving: 


Create laws:
 
  • Use preventive technology to:
    • Disable incoming calls and text message while driving
    • Send auto-text replies to let whoever texted you know that you are driving
    • *Many cell phone providers offer FREE anti-texting and driving mobile applications.
  •  Simply set a good example for the passengers in your vehicle:
    • Place your phone in the backseat or the trunk if you are tempted to use it
    • No matter what the scenario is, a text message can wait until your vehicle is in park and the car is turned off. If you feel that it is urgent, pull your car over to the side of the road or a parking lot to respond to a text message you receive while driving. The satisfaction of responding to a text message while driving a vehicle is not worth the consequences: receiving a ticket; causing an accident; or even worse, fatal injury to you, your friends, or innocent bystanders.

Visit www.ncpc.org to learn more about wireless safety and for resources to help your family or community address other safety issues.

 

Posted by National Crime Prevention Council at 10:08 AM in Personal Safety,

Preparedness | Permalink


WHEREVER YOU AREJUNK

 

Lock you valuables in the trunk or take them with you.  Don't tempt a thief by leaving your keys, cell phone, GPS unit, satelite radio, camera, sports bag, briefcase or purse in full view.  If you take your valuables, NO ONE ELSE CAN!!    

 

BACK TO THE TOP

 

Do you know any shopping, dining, happenings, or other inside information you think would be appropriate for the D.I.D. "Downtown Digest" or If you are a new business or would like to receive our electronic version of the "Downtown Digest/Downtown Happenings"  E-mail us at: info@downtownreading.com or please feel free to contact our office 610-376-6424email

 

 

Like us on Facebook   

 

 

BACK TO THE TOP

 
Ambassadors Scheduleambassadors
6:30 am - 11:00pm M-F 
10:00 am - 6:30 pm Sat

Times are subject to change according to scheduled events


If you need to report a non-emergency incident or to arrange for an escort, call the Ambassador's cell phone 484-955-0315

ALL EMERGECY'S DIAL
911
Quick Linksquicklinks

Berks Arts Council

  

Berks Community Television

 

 Berks Women in Crisis   

 

Fall Festival of the Arts 

 

Gallery Above Penn Square 

   

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

 

Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry   

 

 Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau  

 

Miller Center for the Arts 

 

Penn Corridor

 

Reading Eagle Theatre

 

 Reading Movies 11 & IMAX   

 

Reading Express Indoor Football

 

 Reading Public Library   

  

 Reading Royals Hockey 

     

 Sovereign Center    

 

Sovereign Performing Arts 

 

 Take a Ride  

 

The board of directors of the Reading Downtown Improvement District Authority will  be holding its public meeting on Monday, March 25th @ Noon.  The meetings are held at the DID office, 645 Penn Street,
5th Floor.

 
DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN LIVE 
bctv logo2

 

 Our BCTV show airs the 2nd Thursday of every month (March 14th) at 6:00 pm.  It features interviews with restaurant owners, chefs and other business owners within the Downtown Improvement District and highlights upcoming events. Hosted by David Kersley.  The show can be viewed on Comcast Channel 2 and Service Electric Cablevision Channel 19.  

To view archived editions, click here 

 

BACK TO THE TOP  

DOWNTOWN / MAIN STREET PROGRAM
Promotion & Marketing Meeting
marketing 

The Reading Downtown Improvement District Authority together with the Main Street Program conduct meetings to promote Downtown Reading.  These meeting take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:45 am.  The meetings are open to anyone interested in promoting downtown reading.  The next meeting is scheduled forTuesday, March 19th at the Outside In - 601 Penn Street, 2nd floor.
DOWNTOWN DININGdining
B&W wine image

4th & Penn Street Cafe Restaurant

(Formerly Batista) 

400 Penn Street   

610-478-4077  

 

6th Street Deli

34 N. 6th Street      

610-927-5423 

   
Aashiyana Indian Cuisine

16 S 4th Street      

610-736-0843

 

Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Like us on FaceBook  

100 N. Fifth Street

610-372-3700  

 

American Coffee House    

601 Penn Street

610-374-9385


American  Coffee House

450 Penn Street     

610-685-0802


Boston House
 

950 Penn Street

610-373-8831


Café 631  

631 Washington Street 

610-685-5905

  

Callowhill Café 

134 N. 5th Street, 1st floor

610-736-0209

 

Crown Chicken 

533 Penn Street     

610-750-5957

 

Crystal Palace  

56 S 6th Street      

610-373-9174

 

DeCarlo's Bar & Grill 

240 Penn Street     

610-378-8121


Domino's Pizza   

310 Penn Street    

610-376-8501

 

Forest Inn 

904 Penn Street    

610-372-4421


Galley Restaurant

  154 N 6th Street    

610-374-7207


Golden Bowl  

  850 Penn Street    

610-371-8680

 

High Level

1034 Penn Street

610-743-5997


Hunan

334 Penn Street    

610-376-8088

 

    16 N 6th Street     

610-376-9901

 

Italian Village  

  46-48 N. 6th Street     

610-750-7416
484-706-6412

 

Judy's on Cherry

332 Cherry Street  

610-374-8511

 

L' Arte della Vita

Abraham Lincoln Hotel

100 N. 5th Street 

610-372-3700

 

Maria's Restaurant & Lounge  

408 Penn Street   

610-375-7922


Marvel Ranch  

359 Penn Street    

610-373-7141

 

Melody's Tavern

Abraham Lincoln Hotel 

100 N. 5th Street

610-372-3700  


Mezcal's 

150 N 6th Street  

610-685-5272


 Mi Casa Su Casa 

Like us on FaceBook

"Open Mic" 1st Saturday
 of the Month

320 Penn Street

610-375-1161

 

Off the Avenue Cafe Downtown

Like us on Facebook
50 N. Fifth St., 1st Fl
610-236-9600 

  

Outside In Restaurant & Bar

601 Penn Street, 2nd Fl

 610-478-1919

 

Panevino Italian Restaurant

Like us on FaceBook

25 N. Second Street

Suite 5

610-376-1101

 

 Pauline's Soups  

501 Penn Street    

610-375-6055

 

Peanut Bar 

332 Penn Street    

610-376-8500


Penn Street Tavern  

220 Penn Street    

610-208-0202


Philly Pretzel Factory 

500 Penn Street    

610-478-1790

 

Quiznos  

645 Penn Street    

610-288-3085


Russo Pizza  

527 Penn Street    

610-375-8030


Sandi's Salads  

401 Penn Street   

610-372-0166

 

Scalia's 

555 Penn Street   

610-373-7310

 

Speckled Hen

30 S 4th Street

610-685-8511

 

Subway 

549 Penn Street    

610-374-9290  

 

Tweety's Fried Chicken

62 South 6th Street

610-898-4101  

570-238-4633 

 

Ugly Oyster

21 S 5th Street 

       610-373-6791     

   

I love RDG