Managing sun, shade, and curb appeal in a walkable town like West Chester can be tricky. Historic brick storefronts and century-old porches look beautiful, but harsh afternoon sun, winter weather, and busy sidewalks can be tough on people and buildings alike. A professional awning installer helps homeowners and business owners control glare and heat, protect furnishings, and create welcoming outdoor spaces that still fit the borough’s character. From retractable awnings on rowhome patios to standing seam canopies over shop entrances, the right system can cut cooling costs, expand usable seating, and keep entrances dry in all seasons. Local expertise also matters for fitting awnings around tight facades, signage, and borough permitting requirements.
History of West Chester, PA
West Chester began in the 18th century as a crossroads village known as Turk’s Head, named for a tavern that stood near today’s High and Market Streets. In 1786 it was chosen as the new seat of Chester County government, and by 1799 it was officially incorporated as a borough. The town grew around its impressive Greek Revival courthouse, designed in the 1840s by architect Thomas U. Walter, who also worked on the U.S. Capitol. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, West Chester evolved into an important regional center for clockmaking, wagon and automobile wheels, and agricultural machinery, including the Sharples Cream Separator Works. Education also became central to local life with the founding of West Chester Academy, which eventually grew into West Chester University, whose campus now borders the borough’s nationally recognized historic downtown. You can learn more about the county on the official West Chester Borough website and in its Wikipedia article.
Top 10 Attractions in West Chester, PA
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Chester County History Center – A comprehensive museum and research library showcasing centuries of regional history, artifacts, and rotating exhibits right in downtown West Chester.
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American Helicopter Museum and Education Center – A hands-on aviation museum with historic helicopters, interactive displays, and family-friendly events at Brandywine Airport.
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Everhart Park – The borough’s second-oldest public park, offering shady paths, a gazebo, playgrounds, and popular community events just a short walk from downtown.
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Marshall Square Park – West Chester’s first public square, known for rare trees, historic landscaping, and seasonal concerts hosted by Friends of Marshall Square Park.
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West Chester Downtown Historic District – A National Register–listed district with hundreds of historic buildings, centered on the courthouse and walkable brick-lined streets.
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West Chester Railroad – A volunteer-run tourist railroad offering nostalgic 90-minute excursions through the Chester Creek valley between West Chester and Glen Mills.
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Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center – A former National Guard armory turned intimate theatre that now hosts professional plays, concerts, comedy, film, and community events year-round.
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West Chester University Campus – A 400-acre campus rich in historic architecture and green quads, offering tours and cultural events that spill into the surrounding borough.
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Stroud Preserve – A Natural Lands preserve just outside town, with miles of trails through meadows, farmland, and woodlands along the Brandywine.
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Hotel Warner – A restored downtown movie palace reborn as a boutique hotel, perfectly positioned for exploring West Chester’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife on foot.
We serve all ZIP codes and neighborhoods in West Chester, including 19380, 19381, 19382, 19383, 19388, West Goshen, Downingtown, Exton, Malvern, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Kennett Square, Glen Mills, Chadds Ford, Paoli, and more.