Reading Area Community College is seeking zoning relief to expand and update its student union building.
The Reading Zoning Hearing Board recently heard RACC’s request for a variance related to construction, improvements and required base flood elevations for the expansion and renovation of the building at 25 S. Front St.
The college campus next to the Schuylkill River is in the Commercial Core zoning district and the Floodplain Overlay district.
Joan E. London, an attorney representing RACC, said the building was acquired by the college in 1994 and renovated in 1995.
“The proposed renovations are necessary to better serve the student population and provide amenities that are now considered necessary in the college environment,” she said.
Many RACC students require support services to help them attend college and succeed, London said, noting college administrators determined it was best to provide such services in one accessible location, such as the student union.
In addition to the current snack bar, school store and lounge areas, the expanded building would offer student club offices, meeting spaces, a fitness center, computer lab, event space, food pantry and clothing closet for students in need and other amenities, London said.
The project faces some challenges due to the building’s location in a floodplain with parts of the first floor about five inches below the base flood elevation. To address this, much of the planned expansion would be vertical, explained project architect Bob Reid of Spiezle Architects, Springfield, Delaware County.
In addition to expanding the existing one-story building on the first level, a second story would be added.
Spiezle said the construction would use flood-proofing methods, including materials that won’t be damaged by floods and doors that can be opened to allow water flow.
All electrical and mechanical systems would be placed on the second level, he said.
The renovation and expansion of the existing building would cost about $15 million, Spiezle said, less than the $20 million cost of razing the building and constructing a new facility above the base flood elevation.
London said the unique characteristics and circumstances of the property would present a hardship if strict compliance to the zoning ordinance were required.
RACC officials also said the project would be partially funded by grant money, which could be jeopardized by delays caused by the additional studies and planning required for literal compliance with zoning laws.
The renovation is needed to enhance safety, attractiveness and better serve the needs of students and is part of RACC’s 10-year master plan, said Ken Dearstyne, senior vice president of financial and administrative services for RACC.
“We plan on doing everything the right way and ending up with a very attractive building, but more importantly for RACC is student success, and this will allow for that in a multitude of ways,” Dearstyne said.
The zoning board is expected to render a decision at its March 12 meeting.
Source: Berkshire mont
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