American House at Reading CollegeTowne

American House at Reading CollegeTowne

Former American House


The American House at Reading CollegeTowne is part of Alvernia’s downtown Reading footprint. The 45,000-square-foot property at 354 Penn Street was purchased in June 2022 as part of the university’s second phase of the Reading CollegeTowne initiative and an additional $20 million in downtown Reading investments.


In September 2023, Alvernia and Berks Community Health Center announced a partnership to expand healthcare access for downtown Reading residents and develop a state-of-the-art community-based health center that will be housed at the former American House property. In addition to traditional primary care services, the Berks Community Health Center will offer mental health services, nutrition and wellness education, financial literacy education, social services assistance, and warm hand-off referrals. The site will also host clinical experiential learning opportunities for Alvernia’s students in health care science and social services programs. By providing primary care alongside various comprehensive wrap-around services, BCHC’s new Community Health Center will serve over 2,000 unduplicated individuals during the first year of operation.

Alvernia selects design and build team for American House project

University advancing historic rehabilitation and phased interior renovations at 354 Penn St.

American House at Reading CollegeTowne

AU President emeritus Flynn receives ACCU award

National honor recognizes decades of service, advocacy and philanthropy advancing Catholic higher education

Alvernia University President Emeritus Thomas F. Flynn, Ph.D. ACCU Award

Alvernia celebrates success of largest fundraising campaign at President’s Dinner

Alumni and community leaders earn prestigious honors at annual celebration

Partners in Progress Campaign Update October 2025

Homecoming and Family Weekend mixes tried-and-true traditions with new offerings

A 5K race and a first-year family tailgate were among the events joining old favorites at the 2025 edition.

Homecoming 2025