Destination: Phoenixville, PA

A Little of the Old, A Little of the New, A Lot of Heart
By Susan Haine

There are some who dub it one part New Hope, one part Manayunk, but the culture of Phoenixville, PA is distinctly its own.  New Hope is known for its quirky arts scene, and Manayunk is primarily defined by its hip, urban nightlife, and Phoenixville features healthy doses of both, but is best defined by the people who live there—a determined, committed population working tirelessly to preserve the history of the town while enhancing its progress.

Located in Chester County just across the Schuylkill River from Montgomery County and right down the road from Valley Forge National Park, Phoenixville has, over the decades established itself as a tightly knit community with lots of energy and a big heart. And its ongoing revitalization efforts exemplify its spirit.

“I moved here in 1987 and at that time the downtown was stressed,” says resident and Colonial Theatre Executive Director Mary Foote. “But right away I got that the spirit of the community was still there—there was an energy and a drive toward change. That’s what makes what’s happening on in Phoenixville so special. It’s not a cookie-cutter revitalization. It’s very eclectic and specific to our community. It’s historic and representative of the people who have lived here for years, and the newcomers to town. The energy of it is very exciting and special.”

The borough of Phoenixville was incorporated in 1849, and the area thrived for decades, with the Phoenix Iron Company and Phoenix Bridge Company at the helm of the area’s success. But as industries developed and changed, so too did the fortunes of the community. In 1962, the Phoenix Bridge Company closed its doors. The Phoenix Iron Company managed to continue into the late 1980s, but its loss was felt long before its demise. By the 1970s, the decline of local industry had taken its toll, and local job opportunities continued to plummet with the closure of the Valley Forge General Hospital in 1975. Storefronts along the Phoenixville main drag began to empty. Crime increased. But the once mighty community had not lost its spirit.

“We went through rough times,” says Mayor Leo Scoda. “But what was significant was that we held together. I remember standing at the end of Bridge Street, looking up the road at empty storefronts. There were drug dealers. There were prostitutes. People didn’t go downtown at night. But the community stuck together, and cleaned it up.”

It could be said that Phoenixville was re-established in 1999, when the historic Colonial Theatre reopened, and, says Scoda, led the charge toward a new era for the downtown. “In the mid 1990s, there was a lot of interest and talk about revitalizing Phoenixville,” says Colonial Theatre Executive Director Mary Foote. “People understood the importance of the theater in this revitalization. People in Phoenixville are uniquely generous, and with the help of volunteers from the community, we got to work. The stars aligned and we were able to do work on the theater, and we continue to do renovations even today.”

But while the reemergence of the Colonial Theatre on the downtown’s landscape was a boom to the growth of the town, revitalization did not happen quickly. Foote notes that it took a few years before developers sat up and took notice of Phoenixville potential. While some of the area’s staples had remained in business over the decades – including The Columbia Hotel (now the Columbia Bar & Grill) and Jaworski’s Music Centre, many downtown shops remained empty.  Slowly but surely, restaurants and retail began to fill in long abandoned spaces. Black Lab Café and Steel City Coffee House took residence. Then other businesses followed.

“I was blown away by the town within the first week of opening our doors here,” says Zack Hoffman, owner of one of the newest restaurants in Phoenixville, Bistro on Bridge. “Everyone here is continually working together. Everyone’s common goal is for the good of the area – it really took me aback from the start.”

Now with more than a dozen restaurants and bars to choose from, and a number of charming gift shops and galleries, Phoenixville is back in the spotlight. In 2005, The Philadelphia Inquirer ran the article “From Steel to Steal, Phoenixville Could be the Next Hot Spot,” dubbing Phoenixville one of the region’s hottest up-and-coming areas. A number of articles in local newspapers and magazines lauding the community’s rise from the ashes have also made this distinction. So in the past few years, has the “up and coming” area arrived?

The answer from locals is no.

“There are more than enough options for dining, drinking, etc., but the term ‘arrived’ sounds ‘complete’ to me, and that’s not an accurate description,” says Clint Weiler, founder of oneninefoursixzero.com, a Web site that offers an alternative editorial perspective on the goings-on in Phoenixville written by area residents. “There are still too many unfinished projects, vacant businesses, and, most importantly, no train to Philadelphia! Once we have a train or some kind of connection to the city, then I’ll be almost ready to say Phoenixville has arrived.”

Scoda also notes that the town’s growth is still a work in progress, and cites, to a certain extent, the lack of funds due to the economic downturn. “We still have a lot to do, a lot to accomplish before the town meets its potential,” he says. “But, we have our hospital, a senior center, extensive parks and playgrounds and a civic center, all of which serve the quality of life here, and enhance our sense of community and make Phoenixville a nice place to live.”

While those who live, work and play in Phoenixville acknowledge that its revitalization is ongoing, they do not downplay how far the town has come during the past ten years.

“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Weiler says.

Susan Haine is a freelance writer and lives in Conshohocken.

Our Visitor’s Guide to Phoenixville

To understand Phoenixville’s revitalization, it is essential to experience it for yourself. Whether you’re seeking that quintessential small-town experience or the eclectic nightlife of Old City Philadelphia (minus the parking woes and traffic on the 76) take advantage of this local gem. You are guaranteed to enjoy your time in town.

Date Night Phoenixville
Whether you want experience someplace new with your long-term partner, or you’ve been looking for a location that is just right for that first date, Phoenixville is the answer, with a number fine dining and entertainment options all located within a few blocks of one another.

Drinks and Dinner
Bistro on Bridge
212 Bridge Street
(619) 935-7141
www.bistroonbridge.com
Try one of the newest additions to Phoenixville’s restaurant scene, Bistro on Bridge. The Bistro opened its doors this past summer, and has quickly integrated itself into Phoenixville’s culture.  Can’t decide what to order? Owner Zack Hoffman says the sesame crusted tuna is a can’t-miss.

Dessert
Brown’s Cow
30 S. Main Street
(610) 933-0695
Take a stroll around the corner to further tickle your taste buds. Brown’s Cow, which is just about a block up Main Street from Bridge, is just what your sweet tooth ordered. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor serves up—or scoops up—Philadelphia’s favorite ice cream, Basset’s.

Entertainment
The Colonial Theatre
227 Bridge Street
(610) 917-1228
www.thecolonialtheatre.com
A visit to The Colonial Theatre is a must—so say Phoenixville locals and visitors alike. Founded as an opera house in 1903, the Colonial is one of the town’s most recognized landmarks, and was even featured in the classic 1950s film, The Blob. The Colonial’s charm is matched by the variety of its programming, offering entertainment for everyone, from classics to live performances to independent and foreign films to some of today’s hit movies.

Forge Theatre
241 First Avenue
(610) 935-1920
www.forgetheatre.org
It’s off the beaten path of Bridge Street, but the Forge Theatre should certainly be considered a Phoenixville main attraction. Located on 1st Street, just a short stroll from the center of town, the Forge Theatre is a long-standing live theater venue offering six productions each year including comedy, drama, youth theater and musicals.

Molly Maguire’s
197 Bridge Street
(610) 933-9550
After catching a flick or live performance, stop in for drinks, live music and perhaps dancing (depending on the evening and the cliental). Equally great for an afternoon or evening meal, or for late night fun, Molly Maguire’s Restaurant and Pub serves up a heaping dose of energy.

Phoenixville for Art Lovers
The arts have become increasingly important to the culture of Phoenixville.  For the past five years, the town has featured First Fridays, where local establishments stay open late, feature local artists and host live performances. First Friday Fright Night at the Colonial is a new addition to the celebrations, during which the theater shows a horror film after its regular production. “Artists have lived around here for so long,” notes Mary Foote. “First Friday was brought to town by Main Street Manager Barry Cassidy, who had this idea of an arts and entertainment revitalization. It’s created this energy where people could say, ‘Yes, this is where we want to bring our art.’” But don’t wait until the next First Friday to see what the town has to offer—arts are alive in Phoenixville every day.

Dining
Black Lab Bistro
248 Bridge Street
(610) 935-5988
www.blacklabbistro.net
A downtown mainstay, the Black Lab Bistro must be noted for its innovative menu and oh-so-cool atmosphere. There’s no need to drive into Philadelphia for a superior BYO, the Black Lab can satisfy any palate. Be sure to linger over dessert – the cinnamon bun ice cream sandwich cannot be missed.

Majolica
258 Bridge Street
(610)917-0962
www.majolicarestaurant.com
In the 1880s, a Phoenixville-based firm Griffen, Smith and Hill, was known for its Etruscan majolica – earthenware pottery with a lead glaze that was popular in the late 19th Century. Today, the Phoenixville-based restaurant Majolica hints to the history of the town, while serving up both traditional and of-the-moment fare to its customers.

Marly’s
108 Bridge Street
(610) 933-7471
www.marlysbyo.com
This BYOB is new to Phoenixville, but has been getting lots of buzz. The contemporary decor, the comfortable atmosphere and the unique menu all serve to make this one of the new hotspots in town.

Galleries and Studios
Diving Cat Studio
246 Bridge Street
(610) 933-3901
Here you’ll find unique pottery, sculpture, glasswork and more. Diving Cat Studio features work by owner Markels Roberts, as well as a regularly changing display of work by 20 to 30 other artists.

Artisans Gallery & Café
236 Bridge Street
(610) 935-1965
www.artisansgallery-cafe.com
The work of Chester County Artists resides on the walls of this cozy little café, nestled in the heart of Bridge Street. It’s perfect for quiet lunch or an extraordinary cup of coffee and dessert.

Natural Creations
110 Bridge Street
(610) 933-6919
www.naturalcreations.com
The beauty of art is that it extends beyond traditional mediums into just about anything you can imagine. A visit to Phoenixville can help you experience art in a different way.

Phoenix Village Art Center
207-209 Bridge Street
(610) 983-9430
www.phoenixvillageartcenter.org
Housed in a former hardware store, the Phoenix Village Art Center features an upstairs studio for local artists, and a downstairs gallery space that is used to feature various works and host community arts workshops.

Steel City Coffee House
203 Bridge St.
(610) 933-4043
www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com
A Phoenixville staple, Steel City offers a mighty grand cup of joe in an eclectic environment. Live performances throughout the week feature popular artists as well as unknown talent.

Phoenixville for the Shopoholic
Not your everyday shopping experience – an afternoon visit to Phoenixville could turn up some treasures you can’t imagine you ever lived without.

Lunch
Iron Hill Brewery
130 Bridge Street
(610) 983-9333
www.ironhillbrewery.com
It’s not unique to Phoenixville, but the dining room is relaxed, the food is great, and the drink selection is astounding.

Shopping
Hipster Home
237 Bridge Street
(610) 917-0121
www.shop.hipsterhome.com
Shopping for a gift? Looking for something new for your home? Turn to the sleek, stylish and slightly whimsical Hipster Home. Take a step away from standard home products, and visit this shop to find some unique flare for our domicile.

Earth Mart
235 Bridge Street
(610) 935-1793
www.earthmartonline.com
Thinking green isn’t a fad, it’s a way of life at this store that offers shoppers everything from natural health and beauty supplies to earth-friendly office supplies to recycled furniture.

Wolfgang Books
237 Bridge Street
(610) 410-5039
www.wolfgangbooks.com
Out of print? Out of stock? Not so at Wolfgang Books, where you’ll find that antique tome you’ve been aching to get your hands on for years, or to pick up the latest best seller.

Romantic Jewelers
241 Bridge Street
(610) 933-3833
www.romanticjewelers.com
Find something beyond the ordinary, at Romantic Jeweler, which features one-of-a-kind and antique pieces.

Ellie’s Choice
610-917-0260
211 Bridge Street
www.ellieschoice.com
Only one word can describe what you’ll discover at Ellie’s Choice: Eclectic. There’s a little bit of everything, and sure to be something for anyone.

Twisted Leaf Cigars
158 Bridge Street
(484) 924-8855
www.twistedleafcigars.com
Find something really special in this elegant store, which carries a premium selection of cigars, and a gorgeous array of humidors and accessories.

Dinner and Drinks
Pickering Creek Inn
37 Bridge Street
(610) 933-9962
www.pickeringcreekinn.com
The atmosphere and cliental are just plain fun at the Pickering Creek Inn, where you’ll find a variety of menu items to choose and a large beverage election from as well as loads of activities – including the Ghost Tours of Phoenixville in the fall.

This guide is just a sample of what you’ll find in Phoenixville. Visit the town for yourself and discover additional shops, restaurants and experiences.