322 N. Matlack Honored with West Chester Preservation Award

Pete Staz (second from left), Partner of Core Development, is congratulated by (left to right) Lillian DeBaptiste, West Chester Borough Mayor, Carolyn Comitta, Pennsylvania State Senator and Chris Pielli, Pennsylvania State Representative.

Core Development’s renovation at 322 N. Matlack Street, also known as the 1887 Curtis Hoopes Hannum House, has been recognized with the “Bricks & Mortar Preservation Award” by the West Chester Downtown Foundation. This award recognizes “construction projects of exceptional quality that have a positive impact on the preservation of West Chester’s historic fabric.”

Originally built by Curtis Hoopes Hannum, the property at 322 N. Matlack is a fine example of the Victorian era, Stick style architecture popular at that time. Originally a single-family house, the building was converted to apartments just prior to World War II. Core purchased the building in 2023, implementing much needed maintenance. The property needed significant work to update both the exterior envelope and the interior spaces to provide modern amenities. Choices of materials were carefully made to not only match but enhance the existing original details. 

Now this distinctive Victorian era mansion retains its original historic character and appearance. The project team’s careful preservation efforts ensure this building will remain an important part of West Chester’s architectural fabric into the future. 

To read the full description of Core’s efforts and learn more about the awards, click on the PDF below or visit: https://www.wcdf.org/pastprograms.