Reading, PA — November 8, 2024 — Earlier this week, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) joined Kutztown Community Partnership, the Greater Berks Development Fund, and DESCCO Design and Construction, Inc. to provide the Kutztown community with an update on the rehabilitation of the Strand Theatre.
The historic Strand Theatre, which opened in 1908, was a mainstay in the Kutztown area for over a century. The Strand closed in 2022 following the death of longtime owner Paul Angstadt. In July 2022, Kutztown Community Partnership formalized plans to purchase the Strand with the assistance of American Rescue Plan Act funding provided by the County of Berks.
The more-than-century-old building needs significant structural improvements. Schwank has worked with Kutztown Community Partnership and the Greater Berks Development Fund to secure two rounds of Local Share Account grant funding for the project, totaling $823,500.
The first round of funding, for $450,000, was announced in March 2023 and covered the installation of a new roof, electrical panels, and an HVAC system. The second LSA grant, for $373,500, will cover bathroom renovations, a fire safety sprinkler system, and other interior improvements.
“When I’m out and about, it’s not uncommon for me to hear from folks who want to know what’s going on at the Strand,” Schwank said. “It’s clear this theatre holds a special place in the hearts of many who have fond memories here. We are blessed to have a great team working together to move this project forward, and I am proud of the investments we have made to ensure that this piece of history remains in Kutztown.”
Barbara Vogelgesang, outreach and theatre director for Kutztown Community Partnership, said the Strand will be a vibrant hub for community engagement. She shared plans to partner with local organizations, businesses, and school districts in the area.
“At the Strand Theatre, we are dedicated to creating experiences that honor tradition, celebrate imagination, and foster community through educational opportunities, cinema, and live performances,” Vogelgesang said. “Our commitment to protecting the Strand’s legacy is unwavering. We aim to nurture the next generation of artists and deepen appreciation for the arts through various education programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.”
Sandy Green, the former mayor of Kutztown Borough and community liaison and government relations assistant for Kutztown University, has played a pivotal role in advancing the project. She said the Strand Theatre is a space with history and heart that must be preserved for future generations.
“The Strand Theatre represents more than bricks and mortar,” Green said. “It is a cornerstone of our community and a symbol of our shared commitment to cultural, educational, and community growth.”
The Greater Berks Development Fund, an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, assisted Kutztown Community Partnership with writing the grant applications for both rounds of funding. Deb Millman, president of the Greater Berks Development Fund and vice president of development for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, said investments in small, main street communities like Kutztown are drivers of economic growth and align with the Shapiro administration’s economic agenda to revitalize main streets throughout Pennsylvania.
“To have a second LSA application approved for this building is so important in order to have the critical work needed in the theatre continue,” Millman said. “In Governor Shapiro’s 10-year economic development strategy, Pennsylvania downtowns and main streets were clearly identified as priorities. The Main Street Matters program, launched a few months ago, is further proof that the administration will continue to support redevelopment efforts in communities like Kutztown.”
The Strand Theatre plans to announce movie showings for as early as this December.
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