One Of Pottstown's 'Worst Blocks' Planned For Upswing

Last year, Alan Kocotas renovated an apartment house at 548 High Street in Pottstown - a grand Victorian that includes efficiencies and one-bedroom units.

He looked at several local properties and bought the building "because of the character," he said in May.

"I like the architecture," Kocotas of Phoenixville said at that time. 

Today, he works on his new investment - a 13-unit building, which includes a barber shop on the ground floor that was foreclosed on in the 300 block of High Street.

"We're pulling up old flooring," Kocotas said of renovations that include new plumbing, interior and exterior work. "It's all largely cleaned up and stripped ... I'm not going to put out an apartment that I'm not willing to live in."

The apartments, which include one, two bedroom and efficiencies in a secured building, will rent for roughly $550 to $800, he said.

"I'm going to have really nice units ... desired," he said and added he's a service oriented landlord who wants to build things right.

"I really consider it in my long-term interest ... to put out a superior product," he said.  

Kocotas hopes the renovation will help improve the area.

Although the 300 block of High Street is "one of the worst blocks" on the road, new businesses including Advance Auto Parts help improve the area, Kocotas said. 

Kocotas hopes Pottstown's future brings more businesses and jobs, he said. 

"I think it's going to be strong in the next five to 10 years," he said. With gasoline prices and DUI's on the rise, the trend across the urban area will be for folks to live, work and socialize close to home, Kocotas said. "Rising tide raises all ships." 

For rental information, call 610-505-1015.

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