Numerous big development projects are rumbling down the tracks with the proposed new Downingtown train station, as the anticipated “gateway to the county” throws open the doors to many other exciting enhancements.

“‘Our minds are racing’ with ideas for the train station, with potential for business developments, a pedestrian bridge walkway for commuters or a river walkway,” Mayor Josh Maxwell said in a Daily Local News report.

And hooking up behind that economic engine is a myriad of other announcements, including:

• Luxury apartments and townhomes, plus potentially more, on 52 acres around the St. John Vianney Center, by E. Kahn Development Corp.
• 300 new first-time-buyer townhomes and senior citizen flats in East Caln and Kardon Ponds with plenty of open space and a link to the Struble Trail, by Progressive Housing Ventures.
• New coffee and espresso bar The Farmhouse on West Lancaster Avenue, featuring a fireplace, conference rooms and private rooms, by Pete and Dana Petrizzio.
• An October-long “Victory Over Breast Cancer” fundraising campaign by Victory Brewing Co., along with a 60 percent boost to its Headwaters Charitable Grant.
• An Oct. 18 rally to end domestic violence at Kerr Park, by the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County.
• A Nov. 7 5K run to benefit cancer research, by Team CMMD.

“To see where Downingtown has come in the past 20 years or so since I became involved with Victory is truly incredible,” developer Eli Kahn said in a Chesco Times article on the same topic. “It is the center of Chester County and is growing, growing and growing; the future development possibilities it offers are incredible as well.”

That’s largely a credit to local leaders’ foresight and planning.

“Downingtown has an open-minded city council, access to Amtrak and regional rail, trails, parks, wonderful architecture, great schools and a terrific cross-section of people,” Progressive Housing Ventures President Sarah Peck said in the Chesco Times piece. “We are seeing a real hunger for housing that is affordable, low-maintenance and offers a truly walkable lifestyle.”

Read more of the details about these recent announcements in the Daily Local News here and Chesco Times here, then check out previous VISTA Today coverage of Downingtown’s many happenings here.