The redevelopment of the 100 year-old vacant Reading Post Office represented a unique opportunity to preserve a landmark property.
The original post office structure was reused for 3 new commercial condominiums. The rear addition created underground parking and 50 residential units. Carefully designed front additions and walkways help connect building to street without hiding the historic character.
As part of our design, we retained the monumental stairs and entry paying homage to the landmark entry and façade on Haven Street. The new 5-story with setback penthouse addition created a landscaped courtyard as a point of entry to the residential units from Sanborn Street. Services to the building use the drive off Haven Street to the existing basement level.
Design and complex approvals for the project were aided in no small part to the development team which relied heavily on experience with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and Reading Historical Commission.
The opportunity to redevelop this property, by preserving and bringing new life to the vacant Post Office and providing much needed new housing to the downtown, was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Photos Courtesy of DiBiase Homes
