Demolition begins at former Lincoln Chemical building in Reading, PA

Demolition has started on the former Lincoln Chemical Co. building at South Ninth and Laurel streets in Reading, Pennsylvania, damaged by two arson fires in 2023. The work follows the EPA's removal of more than 550 containers of hazardous materials from the site in May 2025. The Reading planning commission has tabled a revised development plan for the property, 601 S. Ninth St., pending updated submissions from owner 630 S. 9th Street LLC.