The Downingtown business district is much busier these days, thanks largely to the concerted efforts of the Downingtown Main Street Association, a nonprofit helping to revitalize the borough, writes Steven Hoffman for the Chester County Press.

Key events, like the opening of the Station Taproom and Bottle Room, have been important steps in Downingtown’s efforts to revitalize its business district.

“The trend is that people want to come to small towns such as Downingtown to have dinner and to shop,” said Steve Plaugher, CEO of the Downingtown Main Street Association.

One of the primary goals is to attract new businesses to the district. The organization has been working closely with Downingtown Borough officials to facilitate improvements. One example is the Armor Alley Pocket Plaza, which is planning further redevelopment this year.

Located in the 100 block of East Lancaster Avenue, the plaza connects the business district with Milltown Square and will soon have a new, vibrant feel. According to Plaugher, a state grant of $108,000, combined with additional funding, will bring around $127,000 in improvements to the area.

Read more about the revitalization efforts in the Chester County Press here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of the Downingtown Main Street Association here.