Chester County and Borough of West Chester officials gathered Friday, July 10, to mark the completion of the first major infrastructure upgrade to the Gay Street Open Air Marketplace. The project, backed by more than $1.1 million in county grants, puts retractable metal bollards at four points along the corridor so the street can be closed to traffic faster each weekend.
The bollards replace temporary barricades that previously required extra staff and time to haul into place. They also give fire trucks and ambulances quicker access when the street is full of diners and shoppers.
Two grants from the Chester County Department of Community Revitalization Program funded most of the construction, totaling $1,102,798, according to the Borough of West Chester in a July 10 social media announcement. Remington and Vernick Engineers designed the system. Marino Corporation built it.
The borough did not release foot-traffic or revenue data for Gay Street businesses during market weekends.
How the market works
The Gay Street Open-Air Market, organized by Downtown West Chester (the borough's Business Improvement District), closes four blocks near 2 N. High Street to vehicles each weekend through summer. Restaurants push tables into the roadway, and retailers set up sidewalk displays for what amounts to a pedestrian shopping district in the heart of the borough.
Special expanded-market Saturdays with additional programming at Gay and Walnut streets are scheduled for July 25, August 8, and August 22.
Gay Street also closed early for the Independence Day holiday, shutting down Thursday, July 2, for an extended weekend that combined the market with First Friday celebrations.
Upcoming community events
Every Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. — West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut streets, downtown West Chester. Rain or shine. Fresh produce, flowers, and handcrafted goods from local farmers and artisans.
Saturday, July 25 — Gay Street Open-Air Market special Saturday, Gay and Walnut streets, downtown West Chester.
Saturday, August 8 — Gay Street Open-Air Market special Saturday.
Saturday, August 15, noon–10 p.m. — Look Around Music & Art Festival, 401 W. Washington St., West Chester. Live original music, art vendors, pro skate demos, and local food. Advance tickets $25; day-of $30.
Saturday, August 22 — Gay Street Open-Air Market special Saturday.
Tuesday nights through August — Eagleview Summer Concert Series, Eagleview Town Center. Free live music.
