Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a grand historic residence in the desirable Callowhill Historic District, built circa 1875. Offering over 4,500 square feet of living space and filled with period charm, this expansive home blends timeless architectural detail with modern versatility. Currently configured as a single-family home, the layout allows for a simple conversion back into a two-unit property—ideal for owner-occupants seeking additional rental income or investors looking to maximize value. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors, natural woodwork, elegant pocket doors, and a dramatic grand staircase that speaks to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. With 12 spacious rooms, the home features a large media room perfect for entertaining, a second kitchen for added flexibility, and an expansive backyard—rare in the city—offering outdoor space for gardening, relaxation, or gatherings. Whether you're looking to live in and restore a piece of history or create a smart investment opportunity, this property offers both charm and potential in one of Reading's most historic neighborhoods. Come and discover all the possibilities this exceptional home has to offer.
Callowhill, located between Penn Street and the Schuylkill River, is a historic and industrial Reading neighborhood with brick warehouses and rail-side streetscapes. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around the Penn Street corridor near the Santander Arena, where pregame crowds, corner bars, and small eateries set a steady pulse. Rowhomes and converted commercial buildings give the blocks a utilitarian, lived-in texture. The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts anchors the creative scene with galleries and studios in a former factory. Reading Public Museum and the Neversink Mountain trails add a museum-and-outdoors counterpoint to the streets below.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
226 S 5th St · $349,900
DAYS ON MARKET
442 days
The average home goes pending in 7 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
100.5%
Most homes are selling 1% above list price.
LIST PRICE
$349,900
Median list price in this area is $222,562. (36% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
2 price drops
25% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Second kitchen
Attic
Breakfast area / eat-in kitchen
Built-in cabinetry
Ceiling fans
9' plus ceilings
Wood trim / wood floors
Carpeted areas
Bedrooms
Four bedrooms on the first upper level
Two bedrooms on the second upper level
One bedroom on the third upper level
Total bedrooms listed across levels
Bathrooms
Three full bathrooms total
One full bathroom on the main level
One full bathroom on the first upper level
One full bathroom on the second upper level
Kitchen
Electric range / oven
Microwave
Eat-in kitchen
Second/kitchen area present
Laundry & utility
Washer and dryer included
Main floor laundry
Flooring
Hardwood floors
Tile / brick flooring
Carpet
Heating & cooling
Hot water heating
Natural gas heating fuel
Ceiling fans for cooling
Window air-conditioning units
Electric hot water
Fireplaces
Two fireplaces (non-functioning)
Basement
Full basement with interior access
Exterior features
Rear yard
Sidewalks
Street lights
Balcony
Home design
Interior townhouse / rowhouse
Brick construction
Rubber roof
Replacement windows
Building not winterized
Fee simple ownership
Property in very good condition
Parking
Two off-street parking spaces
On-street parking available
Two total garage and parking spaces
Security
No specific security features listed
Construction
Brick construction materials
Other-type foundation
Outdoor living structure: balcony
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
100 amp electric service with circuit breakers
Natural gas available
Electric available
Cable TV available
Phone service available
Sewer available
Water available
Not in a federal flood zone
Other
Finished above-grade living area estimated
Lot features list a rear yard
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a grand historic residence in the desirable Callowhill Historic District, built circa 1875. Offering over 4,500 square feet of living space and filled with period charm, this expansive home blends timeless architectural detail with modern versatility. Currently zoned as a 2 unit or a single-family home, the layout allows for a simple conversion to either use ideal for owner-occupants seeking additional rental income or investors looking to maximize value. Each unit features spacious sized rooms with one unit offering 2 bedrooms and the larger unit offers 4 bedrooms. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors, natural woodwork, elegant pocket doors, and a dramatic grand staircase that speaks to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. With 12 spacious rooms, the home features a large media room perfect for entertaining, a second kitchen for added flexibility, and an expansive backyard—rare in the city—offering outdoor space for gardening, relaxation, or gatherings. Whether you're looking to live in and restore a piece of history or create a smart investment opportunity, this property offers both charm and potential in one of Reading's most historic neighborhoods. Come and discover all the possibilities this exceptional home has to offer.
BRIGHT MLS #PABK2057400
May 27, 2026
Price Changed
$349,900
$77/sq ft
Apr 9, 2026
Price Changed
$365,000
$80/sq ft
Aug 7, 2025
Relisted
—
Jul 1, 2025
Pending
—
May 20, 2025
Listed
$395,000
$86/sq ft
May 15, 2025
Coming Soon
$395,000
$86/sq ft
APPFOLIO #1
Sep 9, 2023
Rental Removed
—
BRIGHT MLS #PABK2001596
Aug 19, 2021
Listing Removed
—
Jul 15, 2021
Listed
$249,900
$55/sq ft
TREND #7133596
Jul 5, 2018
Sold
$105,000
$23/sq ft
May 18, 2018
Pending
—
Feb 21, 2018
Listed
$119,900
$26/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #1000201310
Jul 5, 2018
Sold
$105,000
$23/sq ft
May 18, 2018
Pending
—
Feb 21, 2018
Listed
$119,900
$26/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #1000479406
May 18, 2018
Listing Removed
—
May 2, 2018
Listed
$119,900
$26/sq ft
TREND #6460650
Nov 6, 2014
Sold
$60,000
$13/sq ft
Sep 23, 2014
Pending
—
Sep 22, 2014
Listed
$70,000
$15/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #1003091302
Nov 6, 2014
Sold
$60,000
$13/sq ft
Sep 23, 2014
Listing Removed
—
Sep 16, 2014
Listed
$70,000
$15/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$4,085 (+2.4%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2025
$3,989 (+1.5%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2024
$3,930 (+1.6%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2023
$3,869
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2022
$3,869
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2021
$3,869 (+1.0%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2020
$3,830
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2019
$3,830
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2018
$3,830 (+0.7%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2017
$3,804 (+6.2%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2015
$3,581 (+1.2%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2014
$3,538
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2013
$3,538 (+6.0%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2012
$3,339
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2011
$3,339 (+6.8%)
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
2010
$3,128
$42,500 + $46,000
$88,500
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
5
Baths
3
Stories
3
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
5,227 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
4,210
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
4,210
Year built
1875
Style
Townhouse
County
Berks County
APN
04530627786786
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 31, 2026.
R-3
CALLOWHILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
Residential District
The R-3 District allows the highest residential densities and permits multifamily apartments.
Zone overlays
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Agriculture-Cropland
Park & open space
Climate risks
7/10 Flood Factor
Estimated 22-32% chance of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
6/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 100° expected this year, 16 days in 30 years
4/10 Wind Factor
14% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
3/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 4 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Reading, PA • 19602
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
35
21
40
26
59
37
67
46
73
55
84
64
87
71
81
62
78
60
68
47
55
39
40
27
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
91/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
11.7 hrs
7 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 226 S 5th St
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $143,500 and $439,900.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 5 recent nearby sales, priced between $144K to $440K.