Fritz Rothermel has been a resident of Centre Park Historic District for longer than the neighborhood has been a historic district.  When he came to the neighborhood 39 years ago he found an affordable apartment across from the park that allowed him to have his dog.  He loved the streetscapes, the architecture, the friendly neighbors and the cohesive spirit.

Fritz has been volunteering for CPHD since 1990 as a board member, an event volunteer, and  as the man behind the sketches. Many of you know him for his house drawings that have been included in the Christmas House Tour program for the past 20 years.

Today, he believes that potential renters and homeowners will still see the same qualities in the neighborhood that he saw 39 years ago plus the amount of real estate they can buy for the price, the timeless craftsmanship of many homes in the neighborhood, the diversity of population and the many community events that Centre Park has to offer.

Fritz encourages neighbors to get involved, “Neighborhood stability is greatly enhanced by collective resident involvement and focus” he says.  “It is important that volunteers continue to explore ways to improve the quality of life in CPHD as well as identify and promote remediation of issues.”

The Centre Park Historic District would like to thank Fritz for his years of involvement.  People like him are what make our neighborhood great!

 If you would like to volunteer, please email centreparkhistoricdistrict@gmail.com

901 North Third Street

Local architect Frederick H. Muhlenberg designed this gracious, rambling Tudor Revival style home for the family of attorney John. M. Frame.  Frederick H. with his brother Charles H. formed the partnership, Muhlenberg Brothers and was responsible for many of the grand homes build in Centre Park during the early 20th Century.  The style of this house resembles the manor houses of  Tudor England.  Steeply pitched roofs, small diamond-shaped windowpanes, narrow windows, cross gables, and massive chimneys are all hallmarks of the style.  Creative landscaping adds to the appeal of this romantic design.

Artwork by Fritz Rothermel

Not seen for 30 years, Reading, Time & Architecture was a series of programs on BCTV produced by the City of Reading Planning Bureau. This series was based on research and information generated by the Comprehensive Historic Survey of Reading completed in 1980. It highlights the history, craftsmanship and architecture of Reading and the reasons for preservation. Donation appreciated.


CPHD Headquarters / Artifacts Bank
707 N 5th Street, Reading