Reading was first laid out by the sons of William Penn, Thomas and Richard Penn, in 1748.  Founded along the banks of the Schuylkill River, Reading became a significant trade stop between Philadelphia, Harrisburg and western Pennsylvania.  Reading quickly developed into a manufacturing hub and received city status in 1847.  Industry continued to grow with the construction of the canal in 1825, the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad in 1837, as well as the development of the manufacturing or iron, steel, and machine-made brick. 

The housing market thrived in the 19th century.  Savings and Loan companies as well as building associations throughout the city made home-ownership available for the working class and were also responsible for much of the residential construction through the 1890’s. Twin and row houses emerged to accommodate Reading’s growing working class. The heavily-ornamented, double or single-family houses on large lots were owned by the professional, middle class residents. 

During the 19th and early 20th century the historic character of Reading developed rapidly.  Architecture of this time period includes such styles as:

Revival Movements

Classic Revival (1800 -1860)
Gothic Revival (1830 – 1860, 1890 - 1940)
Italianate (1840 - 1885)
Colonial Revival (1880 - 1960)
Beaux Arts (1885 - 1930)

Late Victorian Period

Romanesque (1840 - 1900)
Second Empire (1860 - 1900)
Traditional Stick Style (1860 - 1890)
Reading German Stick Style (1870’s - 1910’s)
Queen Anne (1880 - 1900)

Modern

Art Deco (1925 - 1940)

The most common architectural styles of Reading are Queen Anne, Reading German Stick Style, Italianate, and other vernacular interpretations of high style architecture. 

Locations of Architectural Styles in Reading (Adobe PDF)