On March 12th, the community gathered to celebrate the success of Midway Arts in Coatesville. Visitors strolled through the building for a behind the scenes glimpse into the creative and unique working space. Mark Lane Properties bought the property, commonly known as the old Lipkins warehouse and has since transformed the building into a space for the creative class to come together to collaborate, build upon their knowledge and grow their trade.
“This building has been empty for so many years and is now being repurposed with unique work spaces. It’s wonderful to see the beautiful architecture in the space showcased. Thank you Mark Sherman and Lane Udis for your vision of a Greater Coatesville. This is just the beginning to a new vibrant downtown. We all enjoy seeing our “city skyline” light up with the Midway Arts sign letting everyone know we are thriving in 2020 and beyond” said Chamber President Alissa Griffith.
The event, organized through the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony with remarks held by Chamber President Alissa Griffith, Mark Sherman, Lane Udis and Stephen Shinn of Midway Arts and Linda Lavendar-Norris City Council President. State Representative Dan Williams also joined to congratulate Midway Arts on their business growth.
“We arrived in Coatesville being outsiders but quickly discovered the wonderful people here. The progression at Midway Arts is about you- and the tenants that have faith in us. We have reached 50% occupancy in less than a year, presently we have 19 tenants” said Mark Sherman of Mark Lane Properties.
Lane Udis of Midway Arts added that they are now entering phase 2 of construction, including a new elevator, a renovated entrance with keyless fob entry and a new lobby area alongside more progression plans to come.
Current Midway Arts tenants opened their doors to guests; visitors were visibly excited to discover that such a thriving center was growing in downtown Coatesville:
Surefire Graphics puts professional graphic design, print, advertising and marketing within your reach. Elemental Yoga provides a relaxing atmosphere with a full schedule of yoga courses of all levels, Mimi’s Favorite Things gift boutique totes a charming selection of unique gifts, Creation Cottage is a place for self-exploration through holistic workshops, meditation, art classes, retreats the reiki experience. On the ground floor, LiFT Inspired Fitness helps anyone, at any age, at any current level of fitness improve their own health and wellness. Eight Bells is a custom tattoo studio, E.P. Townsend is a photographer with an artistic perspective, Cabinet of Curious Clay shapes beautiful and functional ceramics, AGP Collective provides a client-focused approach to wedding photography, MaQuina is a coffee roaster that focuses on quality ingredients and produces delicious coffee, Natures Current is a clean energy solutions provider, Eternally Earthly offers DIY classes with eco-friendly products. Evolving Individuals Services bring expertise in the mental health field, Keystone Progress work on social, racial and economic justice through community organizing, education and advocacy.
The five-story former warehouse, originally built in 1909, is located in the first block of East Chestnut Street between First and Second Avenues. With more than 68,000 square feet it’s one of the largest and tallest buildings in the city. Space is still available for interested tenants. Contact Stephen at [email protected]
Currently home to: Surefire Graphics,LiFT Fitness,
Elemental Yoga, Creation Cottage, Eight Bells Tattoo, Mimi’s Favorite Things,
E.P. Townsend, Cabinet of Curious Clay, AGP Collective, MaQuina Coffee, Natures
Current, Evolving Individuals Services, Keystone Progress, Photographer Thomas
Hines, Eternally Earthly, Photographer Emily Townsend