Posted on October 1, 2014
2014 Great Neighborhood: West Reading’s The Avenue, Center Point & Ten Points (Berks County)
Great Places Urban Design & Placemaking 2014
West Reading is a densely populated 15-block area built on a human scale in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for factory and mill workers. It includes a five-block business district (The Avenue) and surrounding residential areas (Center Point and Ten Points). Today, The Avenue is a mix of distinctive shops and diverse dining destinations. It hosts a variety of community events, attracting visitors from the surrounding region. A recent streetscape project resulted in infrastructure improvements and upgraded amenities. In Center Point and Ten Points, attractively painted homes, flowerpots, public art, and canopy streets are prevalent. Residents take pride in the community and are willing to work to make it better. The Community Revitalization Foundation, a partnership of residents, business leaders and government officials, plans, sets goals, and measures successes. West Reading boasts that it is small town America with urban sophistication and a fun place to play, where visitors are greeted with beauty and romanced with color.
