WEST CHESTER RECEIVES RECOGNITION

Gov. Tom Wolf celebrates accolade for borough’s Business Improvement District

“The town has always had great architectural heritage, but under West Chester Business Improvement District’s leadership, it has grown into a haute-cuisine mecca.” — Patrice Frey, president and CEO, National Main Street Center

WEST CHESTER >> The borough’s Business Improvement District (BID) is one of the three winners of the 2017 Great American Main Street Award from the National Main Street Center Inc. West Chester is the first Pennsylvania community to be recognized with this distinction in nearly 20 years.

The center is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to commercial district revitalization. The borough was recognized for its efforts to preserve the area’s historic and cultural heritage while modernizing the downtown into a fine-dining destination.

The awards, made possible through support from PNC Bank, were presented at the National Main Streets Conference in Pittsburgh on May 1.

“I am very proud that West Chester was recognized by Main Street America for its

success at revitalizing its business district and the surrounding area. Pennsylvania is home to so many vibrant, active communities and West Chester is a model worthy of recognition,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “I want to thank the West Chester officials, small businesses, and residents for their commitment to the continued growth and improvement of their community.”

West Chester’s revival began approximately 17 years ago when the West Chester Business Improvement District was established. The BID successfully secured a Keystone Communities designation through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program, which helps encourage public and private sector partnerships that support economic development and local revitalization efforts specific to the community’s needs.

“Earning this award is a wonderful recognition of the ongoing effect and commitment of the BID, volunteers,

downtown business owners and BID Executive Director Malcolm Johnstone,” Mayor Jordan Norley said.

Local developer Adam Loew, of J. Loew and Associates, in conjunction with Eli Kahn and Cornerstone Communities developed 10 N. High at the Historic Courthouse and Chestnut Square Apartments.

Loew said that from an overall standpoint, a builder wants to see “consistency, and structure” for a town, with the BID contributing to West Chester’s success.

“West Chester’s transformation over the past 17 years has been truly remarkable,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center. “The town has always had great architectural heritage, but under West Chester Business Improvement District’s leadership, it has grown into a haute-cuisine mecca, drawing not just locals but visitors from surrounding areas.”

Sidewalk dining is a hallmark of the city’s thriving food scene, combining the best of West Chester – delicious eats and historic architecture. West Chester has 64 restaurants and

more than 75 retail stores all within walking distance of the downtown area. In addition, the annual Chester County Restaurant festival attracts foodies from all over the country.

“It was a challenge to bring a new vitality to our downtown more than a decade ago, so it’s especially exciting to now gain recognition for our hard work,” said Malcolm Johnstone, executive director of West Chester Business Improvement District. “The completion of the Historic Courthouse renovation and the opening of a new hotel and theater are just some visible signs of the area’s revitalization, but it truly was the partnership between local, regional and national organizations that helped West Chester flourish into a vibrant community.”

Councilwoman Diane LeBold was also a member of borough council in 2000 when the BID was established. At the time the town was seedy, with many vacancies.

Within a few years, Philadelphia Magazine featured a cover story asking, “Is West Chester the perfect town?”

LeBold noted that Johnstone’s

arrival coincided with many other factors to create “the perfect storm.”

She pointed to the Chamber of Commerce, the Historic Architectural Review board, borough council for its enthusiastic support, the restaurants and businesses and the West Chester University administration, including President Chris Fiorentino.

There are 4,200 buildings in the borough listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The town is proud of its collection of buildings designed by Thomas U. Walter, who later went on to design the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Several structures around West Chester feature Walter’s Greek Revival-style including the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, Bank of Chester County and Chester County Courthouse.

In 2005, West Chester invested $2.3 million and renovated the West Chester Public Library, which was built in 1888.

“The transformation that West Chester has gone through reflects our country’s development from a simple agricultural community to an industrial community over the past two centuries,” Johnstone said. “We’re proud to maintain our historic heritage while continuously growing as a vibrant community that connects people from all walks of life.”

Part of West Chester’s charm is that it’s home to West Chester University, which was ranked among the top 50 college towns by College Rank in 2016. The university welcomes more than 15,000 students each year, including international students from more than 40 countries. The diverse student population coupled with strong academic credentials has attracted entrepreneurs, startups and high-tech companies to the area and created job opportunities.

“West Chester is like a microcosm of a diverse, metropolitan city. When you walk on the street, within a few steps, you can experience something different,” Johnstone said. “Our diversity is a blend of the old and modern, and multiple ethnic cultures. We are proud of the beautiful friendships among neighbors of all origins.”

Through its Keystone Communities designation, West Chester secured nearly $1 million in funding to support neighborhood and streetscape improvement projects, commercial façade restorations, and destination marketing efforts. The collaboration between DCED, the BID, West Chester Borough, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, and the West Chester Police Department has led to the growth of a vibrant small business community, rebuilt and enhanced

areas within the West Chester community, and a nearly 50 percent crime reduction.

“We are thrilled Main Street America honored West Chester with this award,” said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin. “The borough’s highly successful transformation and revitalization shows the effectiveness of public-private partnerships, and DCED looks forward to continuing these efforts in West Chester and other communities in the commonwealth.”

Born of the National Main Street Center, Main Street America unites stakeholders from small and midsized towns and urban commercial districts working to bring economic development and community revitalization practices to their local communities. In September, West Chester was selected as one of 10 finalists around the country for the 2017 Great American Main Street Awards and the city was presented the award at the conference Monday.

For more information on the West Chester community and the BID, visit www. downtownwestchester.com. For more information on the Keystone Communities Program and other DCED programs, visit http://dced.pa.gov/programs/keystone-communitiesprogram-kcp/

BILL RETTEW JR. – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA West Chester’s Business Improvement District (BID) is one of the three winners of the 2017 Great American Main Street Award from the National Main Street Center Inc.

PHOTOS BY BILL RETTEW JR. – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Above and below, West Chester’s Business Improvement District (BID) is one of the three winners of the 2017 Great American Main Street Award from the National Main Street Center Inc.