Our Story
The Wilhelm Mansion, Built in 1877
The Inn at Centre Park is a Gothic Revival mansion on the National Register of Historic Places, in the heart of Reading’s Centre Park Historic District.
A Reading Landmark
A Mansion with a Real Story
Built in 1877, the Wilhelm Mansion is a three-story Gothic Revival home of Reading granite, rising some sixty feet above Centre Avenue. A Pennsylvania historic-site survey called it “one of the outstanding buildings in the city,” and in 1982 the mansion and its 1890 carriage house were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its first occupant was the Right Reverend Mark Anthony DeWolfe Howe, an Episcopal bishop, in the years the diocese was headquartered in Reading. From the mid-1880s the home belonged to industrialist Charles W. Wilhelm and his wife, Sarah, who lived here for roughly half a century. In the early 1900s, architect Charles H. Muhlenberg Sr. brought European craftsmen to Reading to refine the stairways and paneling that still define the interior today.
The mansion narrowly escaped demolition in 1968, when a plan to raze it for an apartment tower fell through. It was later carefully restored and earned its place on the National Register — and today it welcomes guests as The Inn at Centre Park, a bed and breakfast and intimate event venue.
A Timeline of the Mansion
More than 140 years of Reading history under one roof.
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1877
The Gothic Revival mansion is built of Reading granite on Centre Avenue.
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1880s
Industrialist Charles W. Wilhelm and his wife, Sarah, make the home their own for roughly fifty years.
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1888
Two rear rooms are added, their date inscribed in the stonework.
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1890
The granite carriage house is built, its date stone facing North Third Street.
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Early 1900s
Architect Charles H. Muhlenberg Sr. brings European craftsmen to refine the stairways and paneling.
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1968
The mansion narrowly avoids demolition when a plan to replace it with an apartment tower falls through.
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1982
The Wilhelm Mansion and Carriage House are placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Today
The mansion welcomes overnight guests and intimate celebrations as The Inn at Centre Park.
History You Can Stay In
Guest Rooms Named for the Mansion’s Past
Each of our suites carries a piece of the home’s history. The Wilhelm Suite occupies Charles Wilhelm’s own private rooms, complete with a red marble fireplace dated 1894 and an original six-foot claw-foot tub. Sarah’s Suite is named for his wife and was known as “Madam’s Boudoir.” And The Parkview is home to what is reputed to be the first shower ever installed in Reading.
What Makes the Inn Special
A genuine landmark paired with the comforts of a welcoming home.
On the National Register
A Gothic Revival mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
Centre Park Historic District
One of Reading's grandest historic neighborhoods, developed as the city's most exclusive address.
Personal Hospitality
A warm, attentive welcome from innkeeper Dennis that makes the inn feel like a home.
More Than a Place to Stay
Hospitality That Feels Personal
What guests remember most is the care. Our innkeeper, Dennis, and the team take pride in the small touches — a warm breakfast each morning, thoughtful recommendations for exploring Reading, and a genuine interest in making your visit special. Whether you are here for a romantic weekend, a family celebration, or a quiet retreat, you are looked after like a guest in a friend’s home.
It is that combination — a historic setting and heartfelt service — that keeps guests coming back and recommending the inn to others.
“The Inn at Centre Park is a hidden gem of Reading. It is difficult to find architecture and personality like you will find at the Inn.”— Matthew H., via The Knot
Rated 5.0 on The Knot · Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice
Experience the Inn for Yourself
Reserve a historic room, or talk with us about hosting your celebration in the mansion.