Reading Commission Reviews Plans for Parking Lot Redevelopment

The proposed site at 29 S. Fifth St. would transition from surface parking into a new mixed-use residential and commercial space.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Commercial

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern mixed-use building, representing urban residential and commercial redevelopment plans. — The Reading Planning Commission reviewed a proposal by Alan Shuman Development to replace the 29 S. Fifth St. parking lot with a new mixed-use residential and commercial building. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your city prioritize redeveloping surface parking lots into apartment complexes?

The Reading Planning Commission recently reviewed a sketch plan from Alan Shuman Development to transform a downtown parking lot into a new building. The proposal includes ground-floor commercial space topped by 24 apartment units.

Why it matters

This project aligns with the city's comprehensive and transit multimodal plans, which encourage replacing surface-level parking lots with more efficient land uses.

The proposed development site spans 35,719 square feet and includes plans for 24 apartment units across two levels. Developers are currently evaluating the addition of land for angled parking along Cherry Street.

The players

Alan Shuman Development

This real estate development firm is responsible for submitting the project sketch plan for the redevelopment of the South Fifth Street site.

Reading Planning Commission

This municipal body oversees land use and development projects to ensure they align with the city's long-term comprehensive and transit plans.

Reading Parking Authority

This agency manages public parking infrastructure and previously announced the closure of the parking lot at 29 S. Fifth St.

The details

The site, located at 29 S. Fifth St., is currently owned by the Reading Parking Authority and formerly served as the location of the City Hotel and city stables. The commission provided feedback on the sketch plan to guide the developer ahead of a formal project submission.

The City Hotel was demolished at the site during the 1960s.
The Reading Parking Authority announced the lot closure in June 2026.
The Planning Commission reviewed the sketch plan on October 27, 2026.

Culture Shift

The move reflects a broader urban trend toward prioritizing dense, mixed-use development over underutilized surface-level parking. This development fits into the long-term vision established by Reading's comprehensive plan and transit multimodal plan.

Drivers who previously used the lot at 29 S. Fifth St. should plan to use the nearby Fourth and Cherry Garage or South Penn Garage instead. Local residents may see changes to traffic patterns and parking availability as the site undergoes the transition from a parking lot to a residential and commercial building.

The takeaway

The transformation of the Fifth Street lot signals a shift toward revitalizing vacant or underused downtown spaces for housing and commerce. Residents should stay informed on future commission meetings for updates on the project's design and parking arrangements.