Reading, Pennsylvania: Difference between revisions

Overlooking the city on Mount Penn is Reading's symbol, a photogenic Japanese [[pagoda]] visible from everywhere in town and referred to familiarly as the City of Reading Pagoda.

 

 

At present there are civic efforts in progress to restore it to its original condition to celebrate it's 100th anniversary in 2008, as part of Reading's program of urban renewal. The classic view of the structure is from the Penn Street Bridge looking east as one enters the city; Reading has always been renowned for its physical setting, and this is one of the most appealing urban vistas in the state. At present (July 2006), the vista is being opened up by the harvesting of scrub tree growth at the base of the pagoda, providing an expansive view of the city with a soon to be operational coffee shop and gift shop to enhance the experience. At the present time, visitors can ascend the steps to the top, and purchase gifts at the Pagoda/Skyline shop on the 4th floor, only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. This schedule is expected to expand in the near future.