The West Chester 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., 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 Monday.

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“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 an 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. Also, 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 BID.

“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.”

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