The scope of work for the seven-story structure includes a First Floor Café; exterior and interior restoration and renovations; master planning for long range development of the surrounding landscape; improvements to vehicular and pedestrian access; structural repairs to the roof and stone retaining walls; improvements to M/E systems aimed at energy efficiency and code compliance; and the replacement of the existing neon lighting with 950 linear feet of a red and white colored LED light source. GVA Lighting LED modules are mounted to custom bronze armatures suspended from the roof eaves creating an illumination condition similar to the neon from afar but the up-lit eaves provide a dynamic refreshed aesthetic. The new lighting and the restoration of the building’s historic polychromatic color scheme required approval by the Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission.

It was determined through the fabrication of mockups that two rows of red LED modules directed away from the building best simulated the illumination effect of the red neon. An additional row of white modules with a cut-off baffle was directed back onto the roof eave soffit construction to reflect light off the blue painted surfaces. The LED lighting concept establishes an illumination condition strikingly similar to the previous high voltage neon, maintaining the iconic radiant red roof lines. The new lighting provides a noticeably brighter glow with an energy reduction of 13,000 watts. The work required the temporary construction of a complex scaffolding installation that protected the delicate terra cotta roofing. Renovations also included re-gilding of gold leaf decorative surfaces, woodwork refinishing, and encaustic floor tile restoration and replacement.

The unique existing structure (almost certainly the only pagoda to incorporate a fireplace and brick chimney), was constructed as the initial component to a planned hotel complex that was never realized. The building has since undergone several renovations accommodating various public functions. Missing since 1915, the sorin (a traditional spire-like object atop the roof), was replaced through a reconstruction design process by Michael Kautter and fabrication by Werner Rosacker, Central Brass Works, in 1992. Incandescent light sources that adorned the structure for decades were replaced by a neon lighting installation in the 1960’s. The striking red neon, visible from a distance of 10 miles, created an unmistakable local iconic image but presented ongoing maintenance and safety issues. The panoramic view of Reading, picturesque sunsets, and the beautifully scaled Asian pavilion draw 50,000 visitors each year but currently is incapable of generating adequate income to sustain its existence.

During the Pagoda’s celebratory centennial year, K&KA was selected to study and present a viable and visionary master plan that would ensure long term sustainability and solidify the mountaintop as a destination for visitors and city dwellers to stay for an extended period. The master plan includes multiple thematic gardens with interconnecting stairs and paths, retaining walls, pavilions, water features, lighting, landscaping, and site furnishings. The garden terraces are separated into quiet contemplative spaces, public interactive environments, and green preservation landscapes, arranged in a manner that promotes a wide variety of events. The gardens are designed to enhance the pagoda as a destination and support the potential for adjacent hillside development of a separate large scale dining facility.