Several developers and business owners are creating a food and cultural renaissance along Chester’s Avenue of the States, writes Wendy Daughenbaugh for 6abc.

The latest is the Penn Café, which opened in April in a renovated 1889 bank building vacant for 30 years.

That building and six other historic properties have been bought by developer Ron Starr.

Café co-owner Fiona Hew-Wing came up with the café when employees of Penn Home Health Care across the street complained there was no place to get breakfast or lunch. 

Hew-Wing is CEO of Penn Home Health Care, which is also owned by Starr.  

Plans call for redeveloping buildings near the café, including the oldest courthouse in the United States.

Starr envisions Penn Square–a steakhouse, bowling alley, and 10 luxury apartments.

“It will be the Rittenhouse Square of Delaware County,” he promises.

Roland Taylor and his wife, Lucia, opened Duo Tacos and Bowls along the Avenue last spring and hope to create a food scene that will make Chester a destination.

He has concepts for two other food establishments and a social club.

Also in the mix and ripe for development are a number of art galleries, including Indigo Mills, home to several artists.

Read more about this Chester renaissance along the Avenue of the States at 6abc.