Reading's Centre Park Historic District celebrates 40th anniversary

Oct. 11—When Jean Cocuzza moved to Reading's Centre Park neighborhood in the 1970s, the area was not yet designated as a historic district.

But as an artist, she noted with appreciation the architectural details of the northwest neighborhood's Victorian- and Edwardian-era row houses, twins and larger free-standing mansions.

"I just love older homes," she said. "There is so much beauty and craftsmanship in the neighborhood. That is what attracted me."

Then unmarried and known as Jean Stoudt, Cocuzza, now 72, found a cozy third-floor apartment in one of the neighborhood's large semidetached houses.

Later, after marrying, she and her husband, Tony, chose to remain in the district, buying a home on Oley Street.

They'd been settled in for over two years when residents successfully petitioned the city to protect the area as a historic district.

"And we are still here," she said.

The couple were among more than 50 residents who gathered Friday for a free event celebrating Centre Park Historic District Inc.'s 40th anniversary.

Festivities at the neighborhood organization's headquarters, 711 N. Fifth St., included proclamations by city officials and state Sen. Judy Schwank, a display of memorabilia, plenty of reminiscing and, of course, cake and coffee.

"Forty years is a significant anniversary to celebrate, especially for an inner-city historic district," said Tadd Kelby Casner, who co-chaired the anniversary committee with Nigel Holloway Walker.

Planning began two years ago with a brainstorming session, Walker said, noting the committee hit on the idea of commemorating the occasion with a professional video.

Screened during Friday's event, the video features the history and architecture of the district, highlights of the organization's annual events and interviews with some of its founders.

It also can be viewed on Centre Park's website.

Schwank called the video fantastic.

"It's really, really well done and truly expresses the spirit of Centre Park, which is what we're here about tonight," she said.

The senator congratulated the organization's leaders and founders and the district's residents for all that has been accomplished to preserve the architecture and improve the quality of life there in the past four decades.

The diverse and ever-changing community continues to attract newcomers who appreciate all it has to offer, she said.

"It's more than just the buildings and the infrastructure," Schwank said. "It's the people. Somehow, you've been able to create a community that's welcoming, that people continue to want to live in and keep up."

One of the area's newer residents, Michael Wright, agrees.

Wright, who previously lived in an Allentown historic district, moved in March to a house he bought in the 400 block of Douglass Street.

Though initially attracted by the period architecture and well-kept homes, Wright said, it was the friendly greetings he received from people on neighborhood porches and sidewalks that clinched the deal.

"Everybody in the neighborhood has been so friendly," he said. "I've met all of the neighbors on the block and have already made some really great friends in the area."

After more than 40 years, the neighborhood has not lost its charm for long-time resident Jean Cocuzza, whose sentiments mirror those of newcomer Wright.

"It's a combination of the beauty of the place and the people," she said. "There is a neighborhood community that you get to know, people that you have opportunities to talk to and socialize with."