New Day Chester
New Day Chester is a visionary redevelopment business that is breathing new life and development into downtown Chester, PA, one of the most economically depressed cities in the nation. By rehabilitating decrepit buildings and renting spaces to artists and socially-minded entrepreneurs, New Day Chester co-owners Devon Walls and the Barred Rock Fund are merging creativity, community, and economic development in a way that is new to this formerly industrial town.
Their projects include a live theater space that supports youth musicians and performance artists and a flexible event venue that hosts painting parties, poetry readings, local gatherings, and receptions. They have also develped community-based artist studios and galleries. Co-owner Devon Walls owns and runs Brothers Cafe and Juice Bar, a popular gathering spot for the local community.
Chester is very near Media, PA, the homebase of the Untours Foundation, and our foundation has had connections to the community since Untours Foundation founder Hal Taussig sought investment here in the 1990s. The Untour Foundation has been proud to help support the work of Devon Walls in seeding an urban arts renaissance in this economically challenged community. Much like Untours Travel and the Untours Foundation, this nonprofit/for-profit partnership model demonstrates how social mission and business can unite as a powerful force for economic growth and justice.
Meet Devon Walls and learn more about his vision here. To help the Untours Foundation support community development efforts like this one, make a donation.
