Water damage closes township facility
Water damage has forced the closure of the clubhouse at the Reading Country Club in Exeter Township, the municipality announced.
An inspection of the clubhouse found water damage posing potential risks to public health and safety, including harmful microbial growth, according to a news release from the township, which owns the facility.
Golf activity is unaffected, said Laurie Getz, township director of communications and community engagement, and the historic course and Patio Grill will continue to operate as usual.
The township has contacted customers who have upcoming events at the property and is working with them to make alternative arrangements, such as
tent rentals.
“There are a few golf outings with luncheons that are impacted,” Getz said, noting a wedding scheduled for September should not be affected.
The township is working with its insurance company to remediate the damage as quickly as possible, she said.
Initial remediation planned for the upcoming weeks should allow for reopening of the upstairs ballroom, she said. The first floor is expected to remain closed for a longer period.
Getz said the water damage was discovered during an inspection of the property performed as part of ongoing litigation between the township and JMH Inc., a Wyomissing company that formerly leased the banquet facility and restaurant at the country club, operating it as Castle Pub by ViVA.
Exeter evicted JHM on Dec. 14, 2017, amid a legal dispute over the acquisition of a Pennsylvania liquor license at the clubhouse.
JMH had signed a sevenyear lease for the facilities in 2015, temporarily shutting the restaurant operation to complete more than $1 million in renovations, including construction of the Four Season Room, an indoor patio with rooftop balcony added to the front of the clubhouse.
The water damage appears to be confined to the Four Seasons Room, Getz said.
“However, the inspector recommended closing the entire building as a precaution,” she said.
Getz said further investigation is needed to determine the source of the water damage.
The clubhouse, built in 1931, was designed by Reading architect Henry Maurer and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The township purchased the club in 2006.
Getz said although the locker rooms were not impacted by the water damage, those wishing to remove materials stored there should contact Derrick Sandritter, country club facilities manager, at 610-7791626.