In 2014, the inaugural year of the PA Great Places program, downtown West Chester was recognized as a great neighborhood. This recognition noted that the borough’s site improvements, such as new sidewalks, parking garages, bike racks/lockers, solar trash/recycling cans, and flower planters helped to revitalize the downtown and resulted in much success. In 2014, the downtown was thriving with a multitude of restaurants, shops, banks, governmental offices, and professional services. Dozens of downtown community events attracted thousands to the downtown and created vibrancy in both the daytime and evening hours. A Business Improvement District, guided by the Borough’s Downtown Plan, Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan, and Comprehensive Plan, continues to work diligently to maintain and improve the accessibility, walkability, and attractiveness of downtown.
So, what has happened since 2014? Has West Chester remained a great place in Pennsylvania? The answer is a resounding yes, and West Chester has not rested on its earlier laurels. Since 2014, the borough has seen a continued restaurant renaissance, welcomed new cultural facilities, and required new development to be compatible with the town’s existing character.
In 2017, the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center opened in an old armory near West Chester’s downtown commercial district. This center features theater, live music, film, and educational programs.
In late 2020/early 2021, a new mixed use office and retail building, known as 44 West, opened in the heart of the downtown, which had always lacked a public park and gathering plan. That is no longer the case, since 44 West features a public park with a dynamic fountain, street trees, and benches.
Finally, West Chester worked closely with its businesses during the pandemic to expand outdoor dining and keep its commercial vibrancy. This worked successfully, and the borough is now moving forward on making some of the temporary changes permanent.
To learn more about West Chester, go to: https://www.downtownwestchester.com/
