Demolition of 2 Penn Street buildings nears completion

Demolition of 2 Penn Street buildings nears completion

The demolition of two Reading-owned buildings on Penn Street was winding down Friday. Emergency demolition of the structurally compromised buildings at 431 and 433 Penn St. began May 15. Based on structural assessments, the city said, it was determined both buildings posed an imminent risk to public safety, leaving demolition as the only responsible option. Only the façade of the 1912 Beaux Arts-style structure at 431 Penn was considered histori…