Recently, State Representative Carolyn Comitta stopped by Uptown‘s November Board of Directors and presented the Knauer Performing Arts Center with a citation for receiving the 2017 Public Impact Award for Preservation in Pennsylvania. This award is notably presented to candidates who have significantly contributed over the past year to preserving history throughout the area.
The citation, according to Comitta, recognizes Uptown’s “innovative and progressive attitude, along with a conviction to operate with integrity.” They also received this citation for their “reputation of excellent quality and service since [Uptown’s] inception.”
Uptown received this unique award because of its historic location. Seven years ago, a group of four friends talked about how they wanted to bring theater to downtown West Chester. In 2015, the Pennsylvania state governance signed a bill, which allowed Uptown! to purchase the historic National Guard Armory for $4.2 million to restore and preserve the Armory, while converting it into a live theater.
In 2016, Uptown began its preservation process. The vacant Armory building with an entire 14,300 square feet and 
three stories was entirely out-of-date: a 1970s furnace in one corner, no working toilet, and no air-conditioning, and no handicap access. Over the span of nine months, the armory was renovated, including new amenities and handicap accessibility, as well as producing its 327-seat theater in the main stage and 100 seats on the upper level. In the lower level, classes are taught.
Uptown! officially opened on December 31, 2016 with a New Year’s Eve Gala, not even a year ago, and has now transformed the downtown community. Angela Scully, executive director, once told me that she was proud of West Chester’s walkability and how Uptown! can provide a crucial element to this culture. People can now truly have a dinner and show, and have it 100% local.
For more information on Uptown! Knauer and Performing Arts Center, visit them online.
