Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Applicant Information
Applicant Entity Non-Profit Corporation
Type:
Applicant Name: Alvernia University
Charitable
False
organization?
NAICS Code 6113
FEIN/SSN Number XXXXXXXXX
UEI Number: M4YBLCAM6ME5
Top Official/Signing
Glynis Fitzgerald
Authority:
Title: President
XXXXXX
SAP Vendor #:
Contact Name: Laurel Radzieski
Contact Title: Director of Grants
Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX Ext. XXXX
Alternate Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E-mail: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Mailing Address: 400 Saint Bernardine St
City: Reading
State: PA
Zip Code: 19607
[Link] Page 1 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Company Information
Company Entity Non-Profit Corporation
Type:
Company Name: Alvernia University
Charitable
False
organization?
NAICS Code 6113
FEIN: XXXXXXXXX
UEI Number: M4YBLCAM6ME5
Top Official/Signing
Glynis Fitzgerald
Authority:
Title: President
XXXXXX
SAP Vendor #:
Contact Name: Laurel Radzieski
Contact Title: Director of Grants
Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX Ext. XXXX
Alternate Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E-mail: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Mailing Address: 400 Saint Bernardine St
City: Reading
State: PA
Zip Code: 19607
[Link] Page 2 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Business Specifics
Current # of Full-
time Employees:
(In PA): 0
(World Wide:) 0
Minority Owned: No
Select
Woman Owned: No
Veteran Owned: No
Total Sales $: 0
Total Export Sales
0
$:
R&D Investment: 0 (% of Budget)
Employee Training
0 (% of Budget)
Investment:
Enterprise Type
Indicate the types of enterprises that describe the organization listed above. You may select more than one type.
Agri- Biotechnology / Life
Advanced Technology Agri-Producer Authority
Processor Sciences
Business Financial
Call Center Child Care Center Commercial Community Dev. Provider
Services
Computer & Clerical Defense Economic Dev. Educational
Emergency Responder
Operators Related Provider Facility
Environment and Exempt Export
Export Service Food Processing
Conservation Facility Manufacturing
Government Healthcare Hospitality Industrial Manufacturing
Professional Regional & National
Mining Other Recycling
Services Headquarters
Social Services Tourism
Research & Development Retail Warehouse & Terminal
Provider Promotion
Educational Facility,Exempt Facility,
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Overview
[Link] Page 3 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Project Name:
Alvernia University American House Renovation II
Is this project related to another previously submitted project?
Yes
If yes, indicate previous project name:
Alvernia University American House Renovation
Have you contacted anyone at DCED about your project?
No
If yes, indicate who:
[Link] Page 4 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Site Locations
Address: 354 Penn Street
City: Reading
State: PA
Zip Code: 19602
County: Berks
Municipality: Reading City
PA House: Manuel Guzman (127)
PA Senate: Judith Schwank (11)
Current Employees: 0
Jobs To Be Created: 220
Designated Areas: Enterprise Zone, Keystone Innovation Zone
[Link] Page 5 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Budget
Redevelopment Total Match City of State Grant Neighborhood
Assistance Private Reading Awards Assistance
Capital ARPA State Program
Program Local (NAP)
(RACP) business
contribution
Private
Miscellaneous $3,000,000.00 $5,523,849.00 $250,000.00 $2,677,522.00 $20,000.00
Total Project Cost $3,000,000.00 $5,523,849.00 $250,000.00 $2,677,522.00 $20,000.00
Total $3,000,000.00 $5,523,849.00 $250,000.00 $2,677,522.00 $20,000.00
U.S. HRSA Total
Grant Award
Federal
Miscellaneous $821,687.00
Total Project Cost $821,687.00 $12,293,058.00
Total $821,687.00
Budget
$12,293,058.00
Total:
Basis of Cost
Provide the basis for calculating the costs that are identified in the Project Budget.
Bids/Quotations, Engineer Estimates
Budget Narrative
The narrative must specifically address each of the cost items identified in the Project Budget section. If an amount is placed in any of the OTHER categories, you must specify
what the money will be used for. NOTE: Some programs have specific guidelines regarding the narrative necessary to qualify for that particular resource. Please read the Program
Guidelines for details.
The RACP scope of work for this $3M request, as proposed, includes the following: exterior Construction (renovation), interior
construction (renovation) of floors 1-2, and infrastructure construction work (renovation). The RACP scope of work has a total
cost of $12,293,058. These construction activities will prepare floors 1 and 2 to house a community health clinic operated by
Berks Community Health Center.
RACP Scope of Work:
[Link] Page 6 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Construction – Exterior: $6,000,000
Construction – Floor 1 (3,269 square feet portion): $857,525
Construction – Floor 2 (10,743 square feet): $2,818,104
Construction – Infrastructure: $2,617,429
Total RACP Project Scope of Work Cost: $12,293,058
Other Funds:
In 2024, Alvernia University was awarded a RACP grant (ME 4064-00) in the amount of $2M to support the project.
In 2018, Berks Community Health Center was awarded a RACP grant (ME 1944-00) in the amount of $500,0000. Berks
Community Health Center submitted a request to combine this RACP award with RACP award ME 4064-00. The combination
process is currently in progress.
In 2023, Alvernia University was awarded a Keystone Communities Program (KCP) Grant in the amount of $177,522. This
state grant will support a portion of the expenses to upgrade/replace existing elevators and the generator. This work will be
outside the RACP project scope.
In 2024, Alvernia University was approved for a Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) business contribution in the
amount of $20,000; funding will support renovation expenses. In September 2025, PA DCED approved the university’s
request to extend the NAP project period to end on September 30, 2026.
[Link] Page 7 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Project Narrative
How does this project provide a benefit or improvement to a community?
Identify a problem or need in the community (cultural, recreational, historical, civic). Indicate how that will be rectified with this projects completion.
The City of Reading has a long history of elevated poverty and limited access to critical primary healthcare services.
Thirty-three percent of Reading residents are below poverty level compared to Pennsylvania’s rate of only 12%. The
median household income in Reading is $40,081, much lower than Pennsylvania’s median ($77,545). In addition, U.S.
HRSA has designated the Reading Service Area as a Medically Underserved Area (MUA).
To address these challenges, Alvernia University will renovate and prepare a historic, four-floor building in
downtown Reading. In partnership with Berks Community Health Center (BCHC), Alvernia will renovate the American
House as a mixed use facility that will house a community-based health clinic on floors 1 and 2. Operated by BCHC
in the heart of downtown Reading, the clinic will provide primary care services and other health care services to
2,000 Reading residents annually. The BCHC site will provide clinical experiences for postsecondary students.
What will this project entail?
Give a complete project description. Indicate the construction, renovations or improvements that will take place. Indicate what properties will be used or purchased for use.
The project will address the community’s urgent need for increased access to primary care services, and will
contribute to regional workforce development by facilitating clinical experiences for local postsecondary students
enrolled in health care, counseling, and social work degree programs. The project site is a four-floor building located
at 354 Penn Street in downtown Reading. Alvernia University acquired the building, known as “American House”, in
2022. This historic building is in disrepair. In partnership with Berks Community Health Center (BCHC), Alvernia will
renovate the building to establish a multiuse facility that will house a community-based health clinic. Phase 1 of the
redevelopment project will feature: exterior renovations, interior renovation of floors 1 and 2, and infrastructure
renovations. Renovation activities begin in September 2025 and are expected to be complete in February 2027. The
project will create 20 permanent jobs and 200 temporary construction jobs.
How do you plan to use the funds?
Should include specific use of funds and reflect the budget provided with the application.
The RACP scope of work includes construction expenses to renovate the four-floor building located at 354 Penn
Street in downtown Reading known as “American House.” Construction activities include renovations to the
building’s exterior, renovations to floors 1 and 2, and infrastructure work. Alvernia University is requesting a RACP
award in the amount of $3 million. The RACP scope of work’s total estimated cost is $12,293,058. For the purposes of
this RACP pre-application, the overall project is the same as the RACP scope of work. Floor 3 and 4 renovations will
be completed in a future phase of the project.
Project Schedule and Key Milestones and Dates
A detailed schedule of activities, including key milestones and dates, must accompany this application if applicable to the project.
Land acquisition: June 15, 2022
Design start: September 2022
Design complete: December 2025
Invitation to Bid: January 2025
Bid date: February 25, 2025
Bid opening: February 2025
Bid selection: April 2025
[Link] Page 8 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Construction contract executed: August 2025
Obtain all permits: September 2025
Construction start: September 2025
Complete construction: February 2027
Substantial completion: March 2027
Building occupancy and operations begin: April 2027
[Link] Page 9 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Addenda
1. Fill in your Itemization information.
Click the below link for a list of available itemizations. Identify the appropriate itemization and enter the Item No. in the “primary” box below.
The related information will then automatically populate. If an additional itemization is necessary, enter a second Item No. in the “alternative”
box. Special note: Act 77 of 2013 imposed a 10-year sunset provision for itemizations between their enactment date and the date of the
RACP grant award.
The Item No. can be found in Column A of this Excel spreadsheet link.
Primary
Enter Item#
9087
Year/Act# - 2017-052
County - Berks
Municipality - City of Reading
Project Description - Acquisition, construction, infrastructure, redevelopment, renovation, abatement of hazardous
materials, machinery and equipment and other related costs for a support or academic facility for university and
community use on the campus of Alvernia Universit
Act Amount - $20,000,000.00
Available Amount - $18,000,000.00
Alternative
Enter Item#
9085
Year/Act# - 2017-052
County - Berks
Municipality - City of Reading
Project Description - Acquisition, site preparation, construction, redevelopment, infrastructure improvements and
other related costs for the Alvernia University Health, Wellness and Academic Complex Development Project
[Link] Page 10 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Act Amount - $12,000,000.00
Available Amount - $9,500,000.00
2. Financial Necessity.
What were the factors that the Candidate relied on to arrive at the requested amount?
Alvernia University is requesting $3 million in RACP funding to support the renovation of the historic American
House building in downtown Reading. This project is the next phase in Alvernia’s Reading CollegeTowne strategy.
This innovative strategy has featured the opening of the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, with Phase 1
renovations completed in 2021 and Phase 2 renovations completed in 2024; these activities were supported by RACP
awards of $4M, $1M, and $7.5M and matched by local funding, donations and private funds. Continuing this
momentum, Alvernia is requesting a $3M RACP award to support the American House renovation which will prepare
the building to house a community-based health clinic. The requested RACP investment is a critical component of
the project’s funding plan. Without RACP investment, this project will be delayed until the university can raise
additional funds. If awarded RACP funding, the project will be complete in early 2027.
3. Are you looking to apply more than 30% of the RACP funding to a combination of acquisition (land/property) and equipment
costs?
No
4. Is at least 50% of the RACP total project cost to be paid by a non-state funding source(s)?
Yes
5. Does your project involve a housing component?
No
If yes, does the project generate economic activity and part of a revitalization plan?
Yes
6. Download and Complete RDAs & Construction Cost breakdown Document
Download RDA 300-301 and Construction Cost Breakdown [Link]
Uploaded Documents
RDA 300-301 and Construction Cost Breakdown Form-Alvernia [Link] View
7. Qualified Professional
The Capital Facilities Debt Act requires a RACP grant recipient to identify who produced the cost estimates for their project. It further
requires that such project cost estimate must be prepared by a qualified professional.
Please identify who prepared the project’s cost estimate, and give their title and/or professional qualifications below
SCHRADERGROUP has prepared and maintained ongoing cost estimates for the project. SCHRADERGROUP is a
full-service architecture and engineering firm. Recently, SCHRADERGROUP combined with Hord Coplan Macht and
became a Hord Coplan Macht Studio. Founded in 2004, SCHRADERGROUP focuses on academic, public safety,
mission critical, and athletic building design. Notable past clients include Gettysburg College, Bucks County
Community College, and University of Scranton.
8. Confirmation that the Funding Recipient understands the RACP Compliance Requirements by uploading a signed Statement of
Compliance.
[Link] Page 11 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Download Statement of Compliance Acknowledgement for [Link]
Uploaded Documents
Statement of Compliance-Alvernia [Link] View
9. Which of the following best describes your construction status?
c. Construction has already started
10. Has the bidding process started for your project?
Yes
Describe, in general, the bidding process the project utilized or intends to utilize to satisfy RACP bid solicitation requirements.
Alvernia University’s bidding process complied with RACP bid solicitation requirements. Bidding occurred at the
General Contractor (GC) level and bids were solicited from more than three companies. The bidding process for the
project occurred through computer-generated solicitations. Invited bidders were notified of their invitation to bid via
email; bid documents were made available to invited bidders online on PennBid ([Link]) on January 9,
2025. An in-person pre-bid meeting was conducted for invited bidders on January 14, 2025. The bid due date
(extended via Addendum 04) was February 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST. Three bid packages were received. Notification
of intent to award was communicated to the selected bidder on April 4, 2025. The contract with the selected GC was
fully executed in August 2025.
11. Is your project eligible for City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) benefits?
No
12. Additional Grantee / Applicant Information - Please include additional contacts including name, title, organization, mailing
address, email address, and phone number. It is recommended to include at least 2 monitored email addresses.
This section may contain personal contact information; therefore, all information supplied has been withheld for
personal privacy
13. Additional Sub-Grantee / Company Information - Please include additional contacts including name, title, organization, mailing
address, email address, and phone number. It is recommended to include at least 2 monitored email addresses.
This section may contain personal contact information; therefore, all information supplied has been withheld for
personal privacy
14. Please identify prior RACP grants awarded to the entity applying for the grant.
Provide the grant ME number (XXXX-XX), name of the project, award amount, and funding round.
ME 4064-00 Alvernia University American House Renovation, $2,000,000, 2024; ME 4368-00 Alvernia University
Pottsville Campus Relocation and Expansion II, $1,000,000, 2024; ME 3134-00, Alvernia University CollegeTowne
Infrastructure and Renovation III, $7,500,000, 2022, (combined with ME# 2618-00); ME 2618-00, Alvernia University
CollegeTowne Infrastructure and Renovation II, $1,000,000, 2021; ME 2856-00, Alvernia University Pottsville Campus
Relocation and Expansion Project, $3,000,000, 2021; ME 2303-00, Alvernia University CollegeTowne Infrastructure
and Renovation, $4,000,000, 2020; ME 1701-00 Recreation, Wellness and Health Science Complex (PLEX), $500,000,
2017; ME 0361-02, Alvernia College III, $500,000, 2010; ME 0361-01, Alvernia College II, $500,000, 2006; ME 0361-00,
Alvernia College, $2,000,000, 2005.
15. Other commonwealth Assistance
A. Have you or a related company received an economic benefit in the form of a grant, loan or tax credit from a Commonwealth
program within the last 2 years for this project?
[Link] Page 12 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Yes
If so, please provide details
Grant and tax credits awarded within the last two years include: Accelerated Program for PK-12 Special Education
Teacher Certification Grant, 2025, $99,646; Coronavirus Capital Projects Funds Grant for Digital Connectivity
Technology Program Devices, 2025, $0 (120 laptop computer devices); Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)
for 2025, $165,000; Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) for 2024, $175,000; Hunger-Free Campus Grant for
2025, $20,000; Keystone Communities Program (KCP) 2023, $177,522; Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)
2025, $60,000 (two projects approved); Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) 2024, $8,250; PAsmart Advancing
K-12 Computer Science & STEM Education Grant, 2025, $450,000; RACP award, 2024, $2,000,000; RACP award, 2024,
$1,000,000.
B. Do you or a related company currently have an application for economic benefits in the form of a grant, loan or tax credit
pending with a Commonwealth program for this project?
Yes
If so, please provide details
In October 2023, PostAmerican, LLC applied for Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HPTC) funding in the amount of
$500,000. In December 2023, the National Park Service provided documentation confirming the project plan met the
Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, provided compliance with a list of conditions.
C. Have you been in contact with the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) regarding this specific project?
No
If yes, please provide the name of the GAT staff member
16. Per Executive Order 2021-06, Worker Protection and Investment (October 21, 2021), all funding recipients must certify
compliance with this order by signing and uploading the attached form for contracting purposes. Select yes stating you will
comply with Executive Order 2021-06.
Yes
Please Download, complete and upload the Worker Protection Form. Use the link below:
Download Worker Protection [Link]
Uploaded Documents
Worker Protection Form-Alvernia [Link] View
17. Upload any available community or legislative support letters.
Uploaded Documents
Letters of Support-Alvernia [Link] View
[Link] Page 13 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Enterprise eGrants System
Web Application Id: 10513213 Enterprise eGrants System
Id: 202509228179
Applicant: Alvernia University
Company: Alvernia University
Program Selected: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)
Requirements
e-RACP Application Submission Fee
The program requires a $500 e-Application fee to be paid at the time of submission. Payment must be made online by credit card through a
secure, third-party vendor. Only MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted.
Applicants/Applicant Tab
Funding award notifications will be addressed to the entity identified under the Applicant Tab. Applicants should ensure that any prospective
grantee entity listed in the Applicant Tab will fully endorse the proposed project and act as the eligible grantee. If this support is not available
at the time of submission, the e-Application should be submitted without a prospective grantee entity being listed. Please refer to the step-
by-step instructions on the RACP website when completing the Applicant and Company Tabs of the e-RACP application.
Please review the following program reminders and click the
acknowledgement:
To be RACP eligible, a project MUST have:
An eligible itemization line item.
Total project costs of at least $1 million which contains construction.
At least 50% of the RACP total project costs to be paid by a non-state funding source(s).
At least 50% of RACP eligible match expenses.
RACP Scope
If awarded, the RACP scope will be reviewed and possibly adjusted during the development of a grant agreement.
The RACP scope must include a construction component.
Combined Acquisition (Land/Property) and Equipment reimbursement cannot exceed 30% of the awarded amount and must meet
itemization line item eligibility.
The RACP scope is not officially approved until RDA forms are executed by the Office of the Budget.
Grant compliance requirements include, but are not limited to:
Competitive bidding requirements (3 written solicitations).
Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act.
Steel Products Procurement Act.
Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law (payment & performance bonds).
Insurance (worker’s comp, general liability, & property).
By selecting yes, you are acknowledging the above. Then click continue.
Yes
[Link] Page 14 of 15
Enterprise eGrants System 9/25/25, 12:47 PM
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Enterprise eGrants System
Enterprise eGrants System #: 202509228179
This page must accompany all required supplemental information Mail to:
PLEASE NOTE:
RACP applicants do not need to print and
mail hard copies of the e-Application.
I hereby certify that all information contained in the single application and supporting materials submitted to DCED via the Internet, Single
Application # 202509228179 and its attachments are true and correct and accurately represent the status and economic condition of the
Applicant, and I also certify that, if applying on behalf of the applicant, I have verified with an authorized representative of the Applicant that
such information is true and correct and accurately represents the status and economic condition of the Applicant. I also understand that if I
knowingly make a false statement or overvalue a security to obtain a grant and/or loan from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I may be
subject to criminal prosecution in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities) and 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729
and 3802 (relating to false claims and statements).
Signature: Laurel Radzieski
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications
submitted on the Enterprise eGrants System for Assistance contingent upon available funding sources and respective applicant eligibility.
[Link] Page 15 of 15
