Reported on WFMZ 69News, by Liz Kilmer

September 16, 2014

Efforts to breathe more life into Reading's Entertainment Square were given a boost Tuesday with a visit by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett.

Corbett was joined by Al Boscov at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to unveil plans for a multi-million dollar expansion, known as GoggleWorks II.

The governor provided a $2 million economic growth initiative grant. Developers hope the expansion will help turn Reading into an artist's haven, and as a result, stimulate the local economy.

"Arts are part of our life from a cultural standpoint, but they're very important to us from an economic standpoint," Corbett said. "As you see, it brings tourism to a region, the artwork is sold, keeps people employed."

Plans call for 25 artist apartments, complete with living and working space, and a four-star restaurant. The development is expected to create up to 75 jobs.

"We're looking for ways to attract people back to Reading," Boscov said. "We can be a real destination, and anything we do that brings people in, helps the economy and also helps the neighborhood."

Officials said they hope to see the development completed by next June.

(Liz Kilmer, "GoggleWorks expansion on track with $2 million grant from state," WFMZ 69News, 9/16/14)