Healing the Heart of Hanover: 2020 Discover Hanover Magazine Feature
Healing the Heart of Hanover
Downtown Hanover is thriving! Experience signature events, visit our local businesses, and learn more about the ongoing revitalization efforts happening in the heart of Hanover.
Downtown Hanover is a hub of activity, thanks to the efforts of individuals in the local community, local businesses, and organizations such as Main Street Hanover. Founded in 2013, Main Street Hanover (MSH) is a collaboration between the Hanover Borough and the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce. Over the past seven years, MSH has played a key role in the revitalization of Downtown Hanover through various events and initiatives.
Downtown Events
MSH and local businesses hold events year-round to encourage both locals and visitors to patronize downtown businesses. Around 3,000 people have visited downtown during MSH events over the past seven years, and over 6,000 additional people have visited Downtown Hanover for Christmas activities during the past two years. In 2020, visitors can look forward to more signature downtown events including 2nd Saturdays and Sip & Stroll. Looking for something to do with the whole family? 2nd Saturdays are a great option. Every 2nd Saturday of the month— and some Fridays too—MSH and downtown business owners invite the community and visitors to experience Downtown Hanover. 2nd Saturdays vary from month to month with themes, exclusive deals, and activities sure to please all ages. MSH events include Main Street Mini Golf, Elf Scavenger Hunt, Chalk it Up, and more. Looking for some adults-only fun? Come out for one of MSH’s Sip & Stroll events! Stroll through Downtown Hanover and explore our local businesses while sipping local beer, cider, and wine. You can also enjoy live music and exclusive deals at participating businesses! Love Halloween? Be sure to take part in MSH's fall Sip & Stroll event, Spooky Spirits! Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy a Friday night in Downtown Hanover. Downtown Hanover hosts a variety of other events throughout the year. For a complete list and for more information on the events mentioned above, please visit MSH on Facebook or at mainstreethanover.org.
Revitalization Efforts
While Downtown Hanover is not yet what it once was, it is surely becoming a destination for locals and visitors alike. Many business owners have opened their first business, relocated to the downtown area, or expanded their current downtown location over the past few years. Because of this growth, Downtown Hanover is a hub of small businesses including breweries, restaurants, and shops. The number of businesses in the area continues to grow annually. In 2020, the ongoing revitalization effort will continue with major projects at the McAllister Hotel and the former Montgomery Ward building. Located at 11 and 12 York St., the McAllister building, originally a hotel, is undergoing a transformation. When the project concludes, the McAllister will feature 30 high-end apartments with underground parking. The building will also house a new restaurant with outdoor patio seating and a coffee shop. The Montgomery Ward building at 34 Frederick St. is also receiving some much-needed TLC. This historic building, which once housed a department store, received a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the state of Pennsylvania in 2018. This grant will help transform the building, vacant for over a decade, into a modern commercial and residential building. Additionally, the alley to the right of the building will become a patio to provide more open-air seating in the downtown district. The McAllister and Montgomery Ward projects are part of an ongoing effort to preserve the history of Downtown Hanover while also providing new opportunities for businesses and individuals to thrive. Streetscaping and façade improvements are two of the key areas of focus for MSH, and the organization will continue to work on these areas over the coming years.
Preserving History
Another forthcoming addition to downtown is the Heart of Hanover Walking Trail. Presented by MSH with support from local historians, writers, Guthrie Memorial Public Library, and the Hanover Area Historical Society, the new walking trail will feature updated wayside markers telling the stories of the Hanover community during the Civil War. The tour will provide visitors with a better understanding of Hanover’s contributions to the war as they explore our downtown district on foot. We hope you’ll join us in Downtown Hanover and see all the hustle and bustle for yourself. There’s always something new to see or do downtown thanks to Main Street Hanover, our thriving business community, and our passionate volunteers.
