The City of Reading welcomed members of the local media on Monday for a guided tour of the greenhouse in City Park, highlighting ongoing improvements and long-term plans for the historic structure. Capital Project Manager David Anspach led the tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the nearly completed work and sharing the vision for the site’s future use.
Originally built in the late 1800s as a glass and timber-frame structure, the greenhouse underwent a major renovation in the 1990s that replaced the original materials with an aluminum frame and acrylic panels. Over time, that acrylic exterior became fogged and was damaged by vandalism and falling tree limbs, prompting the City to begin a multi-phase restoration effort.
“We’ve had nine different vendors that we’ve wrangled through the process of getting the structure rehabilitated,” said Anspach. The original budget for the project was around $1 million, but due to the specialized nature of the materials and systems involved, the City managed the restoration in phases using multiple contractors. As of now, the total investment stands at $500,939.00.
The most significant and ongoing upgrade is the replacement of the acrylic exterior, being completed by Prospiant at a cost of $361,484. The new panels include smoked acrylic sections to help support plant species that prefer partial sunlight. This work is expected to wrap up within three weeks.
Other improvements include the installation of a rear protective fence, potting shed roof repairs, a new drainage swale, a natural gas heating system, upgraded LED lighting, and the replacement of a rotted access door. A new sign for the greenhouse, being manufactured by Pro Signs for $8,346, is scheduled for installation on May 2.
The greenhouse’s environmental controls have also been upgraded. A series of automatic louvers and exhaust fans now work in tandem to regulate temperature and airflow year-round, with new fans replacing the original units from the 1990s. These systems are designed to maintain a stable environment for plant growth without manual intervention.
Anspach credited the City’s Director of Public Works, Kyle Zieber, for maintaining the greenhouse’s functionality throughout the renovations by continuing to grow plants inside the structure. Zieber, who began his career with the City as a horticulturist more than 30 years ago, is still actively involved in its upkeep.
Looking ahead, the City plans to explore opportunities for public programming at the greenhouse once the restoration is complete. “Hopefully, in the near future, once we’re completed, we’ll be working on a future for programming in the facility,” Anspach said.
The City Park greenhouse stands as a rare historical feature in Reading’s park system and is poised to once again serve both practical and educational purposes for the community.