The Fleetwood Lofts
Just behind the headquarters of Fleetwood Bank stands the newly renovated Fleetwood Lofts, an adaptive reuse project that blends local history with modern living.
The Fleetwood Lofts are located on the former site of the Fleetwood Metal Body Company (originally the Reading Metal Body Company). Founded in the early 1900s, the company gained national recognition for producing high-end automobile bodies for luxury manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Fiat, Bentley, and Lincoln. Known for their precision and craftsmanship, Fleetwood Body quickly became a leader in the industry.
In 1925, the company was acquired by Fisher Body and later on General Motors. Though the Fleetwood plant closed in the 1930s, its name lived on through the Cadillac Fleetwood line.
After decades of vacancy, the remaining building of the Fleetwood Body Complex began their transformation into 20 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom loft-style apartments. The project, which began in 2022, was led by a Brooklyn-based real estate developer who was drawn to the potential of the property and the strength of the local community. The borough of Fleetwood strongly supported the effort, recognizing both the historical value and economic opportunity.
Had this developer not stepped in to preserve and repurpose the site, the buildings could have been at risk for demolition down the road – an effort that would have come at the taxpayers’ expense.
Andrew, Fleetwood Lofts’ Project Manager, was introduced to Fleetwood Bank by a local resident in 2024 when they started the construction of just under 100 additional apartments across the street from the original apartments. The bank’s proximity, responsiveness, deep ties to the community, and willingness to support the project made for a perfect partnership. Fleetwood Bank supported the expansion with a $2 million term loan for the smaller building and a $4.5 million construction loan on the larger structure. Andrew worked closely with Relationship Manager, Tom Bendetti, who provided guidance and local insight throughout the process. This partnership reinforced Fleetwood Bank’s commitment to local development and small-town revitalization.
Fleetwood Bank understood the history of this building and what it meant to the community. That just wouldn't have happened with a regional bank.
According to Andrew, a large focus of these additional apartments to the Fleetwood Lofts Community was “highlighting the architectural features of the building and to avoid touching anything structural to preserve the history of the building.” He noted that once the demolition stage began, it became clear how unique the bones of the large building was. Instead of cookie-cutter apartment units, the building’s distinctive layout and high ceilings allowed for the creation of 90 distinctive apartments – each with its own character, height, depth, and design.
During construction of the three floors across the street from the pre-existing apartments, a survey was sent out to current residents to see what they would most like to see in this new space. As a result, amenities such as a gym is currently being constructed on the first floor of the new space and will be available for residents on both sides of S. Franklin Street to utilize.
Helping to bring 120 new residential units to Fleetwood has been incredibly rewarding. With housing in high demand across Berks County and the Lehigh Valley, this is an opportunity to welcome a wide range of new residents — from young professionals and families to downsizing seniors. Andrew and Heights Real Estate Advisors identified Fleetwood as a place not only in need of housing but full of kind, hard-working people and proactive local leadership — making a complex redevelopment like this not only possible, but smooth and collaborative.
Today, Fleetwood Lofts is home to a mix of longtime locals and new residents – about half of current tenants are new to Berks County, many of which are relocating for work.
It is anticipated that all of the new apartments should be complete by the end of September. Stay up-to-date on their progress and be one of the first to live in the 90 new additional apartments by checking out their website:
