Joint Venture Transforms Pair of Former Catholic Churches in Coatesville into Multifunctional Event Spaces

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midway arches
Images via the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce.
The former St. Cecilia's Church in Coatesville has been transformed into a modern event space.

A joint venture is transforming what was once a pair of historic Catholic churches in Coatesville into modern spaces for the community to use for a variety of functions, such as weddings, meetings, and other special events.

The two properties – the former St. Cecilia’s Church on North Sixth Avenue and the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in the West End on Lincoln Highway – sat vacant for some time, until New Heritage Properties and Activated Capital saw their potential as event venues and renovated and rebranded them as Midway Arches.

Community members, local business owners, and elected officials recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Midway Arches and catch a glimpse of the renaissance underway in Coatesville.

“We’re excited about the future and re-emerging from a global pandemic even stronger than before,” said Joshua Burrell of Activated Capital, an investment firm based in New York City. “This project demonstrates the capacity for how collaborative efforts can lead to major results.”

“This is one of those projects that required thinking outside of the box to get it done,” said Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz. “That is what Coatesville has been striving for and doing.”

The larger of the two venues, St. Cecilia’s, is home to an event space with stunning vaulted ceilings, outdoor options, a neighboring bridal suite, and lower-level meeting rooms. St. Stan’s, meanwhile, is a boutique-style venue for more intimate gatherings.

“The venues were renovated with our clients in mind,” said Jane Darnell, the Director of Marketing and Events at Midway Arches. “The redesign of the space was done by designer Beth Elvanian and is an attractive, neutral palette that allows our clients the flexibility to create an event in any style they choose.”

The venues have a lineup of preferred caterers and recommended vendors but also allow outside vendors.

“This building is not just a place,” said State Rep. Dan Williams. “This is a place where pictures, memories, and vows will be taken, and years from now, this space will be significant in the memories of men and women that have occupied it in our community. It is an honor to be a part of the development and continued transformation of our city.”

Midway Arches and the upcoming projects by Activated Capital and New Heritage Properties, a Coatesville-based property management company, aim to be another catalyst for Coatesville’s economic development.

“We at New Heritage Properties appreciate working in concert with Activated Capital to help drive the revitalization of Coatesville,” said Crosby Wood, Principal at New Heritage Properties. “The opening of St. Cecilia’s is a nice step in showcasing our progress with many more project openings to follow.”

The partners are also developing The Flats, a $50 million project on 30 acres, where a destination sports facility will be built.

Learn more about Midway Arches.

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