History, Mission, and Values

RENAISSANCE Mechanicsburg is the name of the project formed under the wing of the Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership. It represents the culmination of many years of research and planning that began to take shape a full 60 years ago with the Borough’s first of three comprehensive studies. 

A Message from the Executive Director

Noted landscape architect Mark Francis has observed that “Streets have a tremendous capacity to communicate a place’s history, culture, values, and assets. . . . It is up to communities to figure out what story they want their streets to tell . . . through building design, public art, landscaping, pavement materials and design, wayfinding or other signage, programming or special events, and showcasing local institutions, people and businesses. . . .”

A Message from the Executive Director

Noted landscape architect Mark Francis has observed that “Streets have a tremendous capacity to communicate a place’s history, culture, values, and assets. . . . It is up to communities to figure out what story they want their streets to tell . . . through building design, public art, landscaping, pavement materials and design, wayfinding or other signage, programming or special events, and showcasing local institutions, people and businesses. . . .”

For reasons largely beyond the control of the Borough Council or residents, a number of the original plans were not fully realized.

Our renewed commitment is to fulfill the vision of the residents, business owners, and all those who call Mechanicsburg home. We will:

  • Revitalize downtown Mechanicsburg to be a magnet of opportunity for business, culture, and innovation
  • Bring together diverse interests to create a unified vision of a vibrant town center
  • Enhance our quality of life by preserving and promoting our heritage and unique sense of place
  • Create a distinctive historic district
  • Encourage and promote Mechanicsburg as a tourist and visitor destination

For reasons largely beyond the control of the Borough Council or residents, a number of the original plans were not fully realized.

Our renewed commitment is to fulfill the vision of the residents, business owners, and all those who call Mechanicsburg home. We will:

  • Revitalize downtown Mechanicsburg to be a magnet of opportunity for business, culture, and innovation
  • Bring together diverse interests to create a unified vision of a vibrant town center
  • Enhance our quality of life by preserving and promoting our heritage and unique sense of place
  • Create a distinctive historic district
  • Encourage and promote Mechanicsburg as a tourist and visitor destination

We invite volunteers to join us in this exciting transformation.  Click here to contact us and get started.

Giving Levels

DOWNTOWN FRIEND

Up to $2,499

Donor name listed on the website and printed promotional materials.

MAIN STREET PARTNER

Up to $9,999

Donor name listed on the website and printed promotional materials. Donor name publicly displayed in centralized, designated location.

HISTORY MAKER

Up to $49,999

Donor name listed on the website and printed promotional materials. Donor name publicly displayed in centralized, designated location. Naming rights of design element (bench, tree, etc.) with item placement

WHY I CAME

“We want to feel like a deep part of a community when we were welcomed to the town. The municipality welcomed us to the town-the Borough made it easy for us to locate here as opposed to other places; the local businesses supported us, and the citizens have embraced us.“

Rick Hawtrey, owner of Capital Joe West Main Street

CENTER SQUARE

$1,800,000

Purchase and demolition of the existing building and construction prints for the design and creation of a green, community-centered space.

The Numbers

Total $5,300,000.00

RAILROAD WALK

$900,000

Transform underutilized space to multi-use public space that will attract visitors and residents to various events.

MAIN STREET

$2,600,000

Make downtown Mechanicsburg pedestrian friendly with new trees, lighting, benches, bike racks, flowers, and sidewalks.