The College’s vision of a new stadium complex took a giant step forward on May 29 when President Henry A. Zimon and Reading Mayor Joseph A. Eppihimer signed a memorandum of understanding specifying the terms of the transfer of Reading’s old U.S. Army Reserve Center (the Armory) to Albright College by the City.

The signing ceremony was attended by members of City Council, City administration, and representatives of State Senator Michael O’Pake, State Representative Dante Santoni Jr., and the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission.

Albright had worked more than 20 years to acquire the 1.8-acre property, located behind Shirk Stadium on 12th Street, first from the federal government, and then from the City when the Department of Defense transferred the property to Reading in 1998. The College will demolish the building, vacant since 1987, and plans eventually to expand Shirk Stadium with the construction of a new, $15 million stadium complex. The plan calls for the permanent closing of 12th Street between Exeter and Bern Streets.

The agreement calls for Albright to pay $1 for the property, as well as a fixed, annual community contribution, equivalent to the taxes the City would have received on the Armory property, to assist the City in providing necessary services for Reading residents.

"This agreement demonstrates how much good can come from the collaboration of city, college and community," said President Zimon, who thanked the Mayor, City Council, and local legislators for their support of the project. "Removal of the vacant Armory will immediately enhance the neighborhood, and a new stadium will not only be good for Albright’s athletes but a great resource for the community."

City Councilman Michael D. Schorn, who represents the Hampden Heights neighborhood where Albright is located, applauded the project, noting the positive impact both on the College and the local community.

In addition to agreeing to demolish the Armory building within a year, the College will also perform environmental remediation for asbestos and lead paint contamination on the site. Costs of razing the building, exclusive of environmental remediation, will be about $300,000. The City has agreed to work collaboratively with Albright to seek public funds to assist with the environmental remediation.

The College must complete the first phase of the project, which includes expansion of the playing field, within seven years. The stadium must be completed within 14 years of taking title. Because the Armory is also the site of the former Noe-Equal Hosiery Mill, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission has stipulated that the College must erect a permanent educational display about the mill.

Date of the actual transfer of the property has not been announced. Funding for the stadium complex will come largely from grants and the gifts of alumni, friends and supporters of Albright athletics.

The College's first priority, however, and continued focus, is the construction of a new Science Center.