1916 was a great year to build a home. Reading was thriving and business was good, especially for the barons of eastern Pennsylvania. 708 Centre Avenue, located in Reading, PA is one of the beneficiaries of that era. This grand structure is now used as a professional office and corporate headquarters for a local software company. Due to executive transition, this architectural treasure is now available for your comfortable residency and or professional endeavor(s). The Regency Revival architecture where the exterior is clean and stately and the interior invokes awe and wonder of times past, is sure to please. Quality and character abound in this rare early 20th century custom built "masterpiece". Upon entering the two-plus story main entry you will be welcomed by a grand sweeping stairway and stunning "Centre" hallway. You most certainly will appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship. From the remarkable rope accent on the stair rise to the exceptional iron work and hard wood of the banister, to the full ornate crown moldings appearing as though they were just installed, this ROOM is a work of art! A set of double doors will invite you in to a 20' x30' living room with gas fireplace, 12 foot plus ceiling with its own individual crown molding design indicative of the age. This grand room offers many options with its size, location and prominence. Going back through the grand hall up a few steps to the right is the formal den or executive office. The light oak floors of this room combine well with the rich mahogany walls and marble gas fueled fireplace, providing a comfortable and peaceful setting that is hard to match. To complete this executive office suite there is a multi-purpose storage closet and a former walk-in safe, now a climate controlled computer server area. The remaining area of the upper-first floor consists of the formal dining room with bay window , the kitchen with adjoining expansion area, and a private set of stairs leading upstairs. The second floor consists of 6 private bedrooms, three baths and numerous dressing areas, storage rooms or potential libraries. One finished room on the third floor leads to a full "attic" where one can access many of the ceiling areas of the second floor rooms, convenient for utilities and mechanical support. There is even a pully system for raising and lowering the main chandelier in the "Centre" hall for its annual cleaning and maintenance.
Outside there is a knee wall running the full length of the frontage on Centre Avenue and down Oley Street to the gate at the two-plus car garage. Next to the garage off Oley Street is a driveway leading to the rear parking lot, large enough to accommodate 14 vehicles. Inside the garage is a high quality, natural gas driven Uninterruptible Power Source , to supply electricity and keep your business running. This exquisite property is located in the Centre Park Historic District, which helps to protect the integrity of neighborhood and one's investment.