The long-vacant Glidden Paint factory site in Reading, Pennsylvania, is set for a significant transformation. Developer Alan Shuman announced plans to develop the 14-acre property, aiming to secure a city permit for the project. The permit process could take up to a year, but Shuman Development Group is prepared to move forward.
The site, located at 1853 North 3rd Street, was acquired by the Berks Industrial Development Authority (BerksIDA) after being abandoned for years. BerksIDA has collaborated with the Department of Environmental Protection and Shuman Development Group to create an environmental cleanup plan for the site. This plan was approved in January 2025, allowing the site to be remediated to Act 2 cleanup standards for commercial and industrial reuse.
The redevelopment will focus on the lower 14 acres of the site, which will be transformed into a retail shopping center. The remaining 5.4 acres, located north of the rail tracks, will be redeveloped by BerksIDA to align with neighboring industrial properties. According to BerksIDA, the site is strategically split by a rail easement, which will benefit the redevelopment plans.
Eric Jenkins, BerksIDA Board Chair, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in revitalizing the site. Alan Shuman, President of Shuman Development Group, praised BerksIDA for their support and collaboration. Jeremy Zaborowski, Executive Director of BerksIDA, stated that the authority aims to be a catalyst for redevelopment, focusing on challenging sites to restore their economic and community value.
The redevelopment of the Glidden site marks BerksIDA's first-ever land acquisition and development within Reading. The project is part of the Imagine Berks plan, which seeks to promote job creation and retention in Berks County through site development and redevelopment.