More than a century later, the district continues to evolve. A new redevelopment project in the northern section of the neighborhood is breathing new life into the former Berks Engineering Company property. The project will transform the historic site into modern senior housing, creating a valuable community resource while preserving an important piece of Reading's history.
Revitalizing History: Empire Services Helps Transform a Historic Reading Landmark into Senior Housing
Empire Services • June 16, 2026
As communities evolve over time, preserving their history creates opportunities for the future, which is what truly drives redevelopment. In Reading, Pennsylvania, that balance is taking shape within the Prince Historic District, where a nearly century-old industrial property is being transformed into modern senior apartments.
Empire Services is proud to play a role in this exciting redevelopment project, helping prepare the site for its next chapter while honoring the area's rich heritage.
A Historic Neighborhood with a Bright Future
Located in the heart of Reading, the Prince Historic District is one of the city's most historically significant neighborhoods. Officially designated as a historic district in 1982, the area features numerous structures built between 1850 and 1890, reflecting a period of rapid growth and economic opportunity in Reading.
Preparing the Site for Redevelopment
Contracted by Growing Lebanon, Empire Services was brought in to perform the demolition and site preparation work necessary to move the project forward.
Before demolition could begin, the team tackled an important first step: clearing the site. Trees, shrubs, and vegetation in the back of the property had to be removed to provide safe access for equipment and personnel. This grubbing process created a clean and secure work area, allowing demolition operations to proceed efficiently.
Once the site was cleared, the crew created a “ramp” made of stone against a small retaining wall giving affiliate Delaware Valley Contractors’ vehicles access to the job site to deliver the stone and transport debris.
A Complex Demolition Project
Unlike a typical demolition project involving a single structure, the former Berks Engineering Company property has six interconnected buildings, creating several unique challenges.
Before demolition could proceed, sections of the structures designated for removal had to be carefully separated by hand from the building that would remain. In addition, one of the buildings contained deteriorated roof trusses posing a potential safety concern. To prevent an unintended collapse during demolition, the trusses were stabilized using specialized shoring towers before work started.
The redevelopment plan calls for preserving the three-story building located at a busy intersection, which will be repurposed into senior apartments. The remaining five structures are being demolished to grade, creating space for future development while maintaining the character of the historic site.
To safely execute the demolition, Empire Services developed a strategic approach, working from south to north across the property and systematically progressing toward the main structure. This method allowed the team to maintain control of the demolition process while protecting the building designated for preservation, as well as the adjacent residential structures and utility lines.
Utilizing a standard 345 excavator and a 470 UHD excavator, the structures were efficiently dismantled in full compliance with safety and operational requirements.
Precision Site Work Creates Access
As demolition progressed, additional site work became necessary to provide access to key areas of the remaining structure.
To gain further access to the main building, portions of the open work area required proper backfilling and compaction. Empire Services brought in stone backfill material and used specialized equipment to create a stable working surface.
A team member operated a Wacker Neuson RT-82 trench roller via remote control to compact the stone material. Remote-controlled equipment allows operators to maintain a safe distance while achieving precise compaction, helping create a secure foundation for continued work on the site.
This attention to detail is essential on redevelopment projects where safety, stability, and accessibility are critical to success.
Once the structures were demolished, the team focused on the taking down the wooden roof.
Supporting Reading's Continued Growth
Redevelopment projects like this demonstrate how historic properties can be reimagined to meet modern community needs. By transforming an aging industrial facility into senior housing, the project will provide new opportunities for local residents while preserving an important piece of Reading's architectural heritage.
Empire Services is proud to contribute its demolition and site development expertise to projects that strengthen communities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. As work continues at the former Berks Engineering Company site, we look forward to seeing this historic property transformed into a valuable community asset.
It’s hard to believe summer is winding down! Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly across the region, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. From complex industrial dismantling to precision culvert installation, we brought the talent, equipment, and dedication needed to deliver safe and successful results. Below are some of our summer project highlights.
On Saturday, August 15th, Empire Group employees and their families gathered at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA, for a day filled with good food, laughter, classic rides, and quality time together. With nearly 100 employees and family members in attendance, this year’s Empire Group Family Fun Day was a wonderful opportunity to step away from the daily routine and enjoy being together. A Picnic Lunch to Kick Off the Day Before heading into the park, everyone gathered for a delicious picnic lunch featuring plenty of summertime favorites. A big thank you goes to Russ and Kristi Mountjoy for preparing the meal, providing the food, and manning the grill. With full plates and plenty of good conversation, it was the perfect way to start the day. Then, it was time to head into the park for roller coasters, train rides, games, and attractions. Making Memories, One Ride at a Time Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed all the park had to offer. Some took on the thrills of the rides, while others enjoyed a more leisurely day exploring the park. Rick and Melissa Dom took a relaxing train ride with their Yorkie-Poo, Ahsoka Tano. Meanwhile, Ellyn Harkin's niece and nephew may have been too small to ride the famous Phoenix wooden coaster, but that didn't stop them from getting in on the fun. They posed for a memorable picture in one of the coaster's cars instead! This year’s location was especially fitting. Knoebels is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The park traces its roots to 1926, when Henry Knoebel opened a swimming pool, restaurant, and carousel at his farm near Elysburg. Over the past century, Knoebels has grown into a beloved Pennsylvania destination with more than 100 rides and attractions, while maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that has been part of its story from the beginning. Celebrating Empire Group's Family Fun Day at a Pennsylvania attraction with a century of family memories behind it was a fitting way to celebrate our own company family, with 70 years of memories and our 10 th anniversary at Knoebels. A Special Thank You We extend our heartfelt thanks to Todd & Karen O’Neill and Harry & Cathy O’Neill for making this special day possible. Their generosity and thoughtfulness allowed employees and their families to come together and enjoy one another’s company outside of the workplace. More Than a Day at the Park This event brought the entire Empire Group together, creating fun memories while enjoying a wonderful lunch, friendship, and a variety of classic rides. It’s just one of the many events the company hosts to celebrate employees and build connections. These moments of joy and community are what make Empire Group feel like a family. We can’t wait until next year’s Family Fun Day!
Demolition is about more than tearing something down. It is often the first step toward giving an existing property a new purpose. An outdated building may need to be removed for new construction, an aging structure may need to be carefully dismantled while preserving portions of the property, or an existing space may need to be stripped down before it can be renovated. In urban environments, such as Reading, PA, these projects can present unique challenges. Buildings being demolished are sometimes located close to homes, businesses, and other structures, which can make job site space limited, reroute pedestrians and vehicles, and necessitate protection of utilities and other infrastructure. Completing this type of demolition requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and an experienced workforce that understands how to work safely in limited spaces. Empire Services brings that experience and precision to challenging demolition projects throughout Reading and the tri-state area.
When people think about roads and transportation infrastructure, bridges and highways often come to mind. Yet some of the most important infrastructure is hidden beneath our feet. Storm sewer culverts carry water under roads, railroads, driveways, and embankments, preventing flooding, protecting roadways, and preserving the surrounding environment. Although they are rarely noticed, culverts play a vital role in keeping communities safe. When these underground structures begin to fail, the consequences can include flooding, roadway damage, sinkholes, traffic disruptions, and costly emergency repairs. At Empire Services, preserving infrastructure means staying ahead of these problems. The company's experienced crews recently completed a storm sewer culvert replacement project for Earl Township, restoring an aging drainage system that will continue protecting the roadway and surrounding properties for years to come.
Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly this spring, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. As summer begins, our team continues to tackle a variety of projects, from precise school upgrades to intricate industrial demolitions. Below are some of our recent project highlights.
If you ever played the game Operation , you probably remember the pressure. One wrong move with the tweezers and suddenly the buzzer sounded, Cavity Sam’s nose lit up, and your turn was over. Winning the game required patience, coordination, and a steady hand. That same level of precision is happening right now on one of Empire Services’ industrial demolition projects. Empire Services has been contracted by Warfel Construction Company to remove an old roof and support structure at a processing plant to prepare the space for brand new roof construction. While roof demolition may sound straightforward, this project is anything but ordinary. Directly beneath the roof, located in the middle of the active processing plant, are vital active utility lines that can’t be disrupted, creating a high-stakes environment where every cut matters. Just like the game Operation , the Empire Services team must work carefully, methodically, and strategically to avoid “touching the sides."
When it comes to successful site development, everything starts from the ground up. At Empire Services, bulk earthwork isn’t just about moving dirt; it’s about building the foundation for long-term performance, safety, and sustainability. A recent project at a medical complex in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcases how strategic earthmoving and full-service site work come together to deliver lasting results.
When businesses grow, their spaces need to evolve with them. Whether it’s reconfiguring an office layout or repurposing an older industrial property, renovation is often the key to unlocking a company’s full potential. For many organizations, purchasing an existing structure offers the space they need—but it also presents the challenge of transforming it into something functional, safe, and future-ready. That was the case for Empire Services with the pit project at a former manufacturing facility.
Spring has officially arrived—and at Empire Services, that means transitioning from snow removal to excavation and site development. After a long winter of keeping communities safe and accessible, our team is prepared and ready to take on new projects across the region.
