What will become of St. Peter’s Village? | Inquirer Chester County
Plus, a look inside the expanded Bluebird Distilling & Dough House.
Hi, Chester County! 👋
The quaint St. Peter’s Village is heading to auction this fall, leaving many wondering what its future holds. Also this week, Bluebird Distilling has debuted a new renovation and expanded its offerings, plus the county has reported its first measles cases this season.
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The future of St. Peter’s Village hangs on the auction block, where it will be sold this September to the highest bidder.
The entirety of the 83-acre historic village in the northwest of Chester County is up for sale in what is a decidedly unusual offering. That includes 121 homes and 13 historic and commercial village buildings.
As the bidding nears, some are expressing concerns over its future, while others are hopeful for revitalization.
The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz explores what could become of the picturesque community.
Popular Phoenixville distillery Bluebird Distilling reopened yesterday with a new look and fresh menu items following a $2.2 million renovation.
Now known as Bluebird Distilling & Dough House, the concept offers a “neo-Neopolitan” pizzeria and restaurant, in addition to an expanded bar, dining room, and bottle shop.
The idea to add pizza came after owner Jared Adkins started taking classes to learn the art.
Read more about the expansion and what else you can expect at the new iteration.
📍 Countywide News
Two county residents were recently diagnosed with measles, marking the first cases in the Philadelphia area this season. There’s been an uptick in cases statewide, which is at a three-decade high.
Heads up for drivers: Expect delays and detours for various roadwork projects throughout the county, including a monthslong update to Conestoga Road in East Nantmeal Township.
💡 Community News
In case you missed it, last week the developer of a proposed East Whiteland data center was ordered to temporarily stop work that disturbs the soil. Here’s why.
North Coventry Township’s zoning board is scheduled to discuss an application for a Sheetz at 1395 S. Hanover St. and several neighboring parcels tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Oxford Borough council is hosting a meeting tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss potential changes to its police services as it weighs its finances.
Phoenixville-based Christian school the University of Valley Forge has been warned it could lose its accreditation and been given until Sept. 1 to prove it should keep its status.
In other higher-ed news, longtime Immaculata University president Barbara Lettiere plans to retire next summer after leading the school for a decade.
Spring City is relocating its borough hall and police department to temporary offices today as work continues on the new municipal building. The borough office will temporarily be located at 2 Riverside Dr., with borough meetings taking place at Liberty Fire Company’s social building, while the police will temporarily be at 7 Riverside Dr.
Lit Fitness is taking over the former ImpactFit in Exton at 35 E. Uwchlan Ave. There’s no timeline yet for the official transition.
Ash Park reopened yesterday in Coatesville after undergoing a yearlong overhaul. The updated 9.3-acre park has a new pavilion, an expanded playground, new water fountains and lighting, an expanded basketball area, and meadows.
French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has preserved 34.9 acres in North Coventry Township, adding to the 13,700 acres it’s conserved nearby.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Octorara Area School District has named Nancy Young as its director of special education and student wellness.
🍽️ On our Plate
Longwood Garden’s 1906 is the lone Chester County restaurant to earn honors in this year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. The magazine recognizes establishments with wine lists offering what it deems interesting selections that are “appropriate to their cuisine” and “appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.” It recognized 1906 — which Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan recently called one of the best restaurants in the suburbs — for its selection of wines from California and France.
🎳 Things to Do
🎙️ Sound of Summer Free Concert Series: Pop-rock artist Olivia Rubini headlines this week’s show. ⏰ Wednesday, July 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Anson B. Nixon Park, Kennett Square
🎭 Ain’t Misbehavin’: This summer musical will transport audiences back to the Harlem Renaissance. ⏰ Select days from Wednesday, July 8-Sunday, Aug. 16, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 People’s Light, Malvern
🎹 Tredyffrin Township Summer Concert Series: Hear party music from the ‘60s through the ‘90s when The O’Fenders takes the stage. ⏰ Thursday, July 9, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Wilson Farm Park, Wayne
📽️ Blobfest: This year’s three-day festival is circus-themed and kicks off with a screening of the film and the run-out. Other events include a ball, “dinner en blob,” and screenings of other films. ⏰ Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville
🍖 KS-Que BBQ Festival: Sample local barbecue as teams compete for bragging rights. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, noon-5 p.m. 💵 $25 📍 The Creamery, Kennett Square
🎶 Eagleview Summer Concert Series: American rocker Sophie Gault will headline the upcoming show. Local Americana band Lazy Villains will also perform. ⏰ Tuesday, July 14, 7-9 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Eagleview Town Center, Exton
🏡 On the Market
Dating back to the late 18th century, this updated five-bedroom Phoenixville home is replete with preserved period elements like millwork and fireplaces. The first floor has a family room, living room, office, and a kitchen with an exposed stone wall and radiant heated brick floors. It opens onto a sunroom with space for dining and lounging that overlooks the woods of Pickering Creek Preserve. The primary suite features exposed beams, its own sitting room, and a bright bathroom with skylights. There’s an open house Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $880,000 | Size: 3,281 SF | Acreage: 2.5
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
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