The legendary reading pagoda will be dark for the next few months because a long -awaited renovation project on Mount Penn is underway.
On Sunday evening, members of the foundation gathered for the Reading pagoda at the location for a last livestream before the lights were switched off. The lighting system together with the electrical, sanitary and HLK systems of the pagodas is completely revised as part of the restoration efforts led by the city. The scaffold has already started to walk around the building, and the pagoda is now officially an active construction zone.
This marks the first time in two decades that the lights of the pagodas have been switched off for such a longer period of time. In the early 2000s, the original neon lights were replaced by LEDs – a change that at that time also led at a time of darkness during the transition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBVMJ-S8BGO
The members of the foundation said they hope that the work will be completed by October, apart from unexpected problems. “The pagoda does not go anywhere,” said a board member during the live stream. “Only the work she needs is subjected.”
In addition to the internal systems of the building, structural concerns are taken into account. The project is partially assigned by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The Foundation emphasized that the community can play an active role in the design of the future of the pagodas. A public survey is available from Readingpagoda.com where the residents can submit ideas for the future use of the room.
Security remains a big problem during construction. The board members asked the visitors to be careful and found that contractors had to operate on site every day and have to work space for safe. The area can become increasingly dark in the evening because the pagoda is not illuminated, and the public is recommended to avoid the location after hours.
Despite the temporary darkness, the foundation is confident that the lights will return to a popular holiday tradition in good time. “Some of the plan is to put on the lights for Christmas Eve,” said one member, referring to the tradition of flashing the lights of the pagodas to signal the arrival of Santa Claus for children.
As soon as the renovation has been completed, the foundation members said that they reveal new ideas and characteristics for visitors in spring 2026.
The pagoda is currently closed to the public. The foundation encourages the residents to follow their social media accounts and webelling for building updates, voluntary opportunities and goods that contribute to supporting the conservation efforts.