The Central Riverfront area is a key priority focus of the RiverPlace Master Plan.  Fifteen projects will transform this area, with more to come:

1. The GoggleWorks - The focus of today’s celebration, GoggleWorks is an all-inclusive art complex with 40 artist galleries, a theater, and many civic offices.  This landmark project, celebrating the arts in our community, will be the driving force behind new housing and business opportunities and a possible site for a world-class Children’s Museum.
2. Reading Area Community College – The campus is expanding to include the Technology Center and Performing Arts Theater.  The RACC campus occupies the heart of what is now referred to as The Corridor.  The Corridor has become the primary focus for the Hospitality, Entertainment and Tourism Sector, anchored at one end by the Sovereign Center and at the other end by the VF Outlet Village.
3. GoggleWorks District Parking Structure – A new parking structure in this area will serve the GoggleWorks, the Amphitheater, the RACC Theater, and other commercial uses in this area.  The structure will include ground floor retail.
4. Philosopher’s Landing – This new park will be the heart of activity with performances, art exhibits, a play fountain, movie screenings, a boat landing and much more.  The Amphitheater will have formal seating for 500 and lawn seating for an additional 1500.
5. West Reading Boardwalk – The Boardwalk will extend north from the RACC Bridge and connect with Franklin Street and the Penn Street Bridge.
6. The RACC Pedestrian Bridge – The Bridge will be improved with a raised boardwalk.
7. Windows on the Water Park – This key open space on the west side will create a sense of place for the new district while connecting directly to the RACC Bridge.  This small destination park will create a focal point for residents and workers in the new development.  Wyomissing Creek will be exposed to reveal the mouth of the tributary as it joins the Schuylkill River.
8. Festival Site – RiverFest is now setting the standard for future events of this kind.  On festival days, the riverfront will be set up with a main stage and smaller venue stages throughout the site.  Infrastructure for festivals along the riverfront will enhance the performing arts scene in Greater Reading.  This area will also include Kerper’s Landing, the Bertolet Landing, as well as the Railroad Bridge heritage mural at the Franklin Street Canal guard lock.
9. The Corridor Streetscape and Bridge Lighting – To improve pedestrian and aesthetic connections between downtown Reading and downtown West Reading, the Penn Street Bridge will need expanded sidewalks (at least on one side), landscaping, new street lighting, and a safety barrier.
10. GoggleWorks District Streetscape – Primary streets will include Front Street, Court Street, Washington Street and North Second Street.  Unifying the area with uniform street lighting and similar landscaping will be the priority.
11. Old Wyomissing Road Extension – This new street will extend north across the Wyomissing Creek to Chestnut Street.  This area will be transformed to allow people to pass on foot or on bicycles or to drive to different locations on the waterfront.  This area will be best suited for professional offices, smaller businesses, and residential development.
12. Penn View Motel Site – This area is a high priority of the Borough of West Reading, which is preparing the site for redevelopment.
13. Chocolate Factory District – Buildings that lie just below West Reading’s Second Avenue could become a unique destination of artist studios, work/live units and housing, complemented by small restaurants and shops in a mix of converted warehouses and new construction.  The new boardwalk will connect this area to the RACC Bridge.  Once the highway is reconfigured, more land will become available.
14. Penn Bridge Marketplace Restaurant – This new mixed-use facility will be located on the site of the former railway station and will include a restaurant overlooking the RACC Amphitheater.  It will connect to the Penn Street Bridge sidewalk.
15. Wyomissing Creek Trail – A new connection is being planned along the Wyomissing Creek to the West Reading Playground, Reading Hospital School of Nursing, Reading Public Museum, and Wyomissing Park System.