The Brandywine Center has dramatically changed the skyline of Coatesville's East End. Now, the public is being invited to see inside the four-story building that is drawing other developers to the area.

On Saturday, July 26, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., the Brandywine Center, at 744 E. Lincoln Hwy., will hold a block party and open house. "We are expecting hundreds of Coatesville area residents to participate in free health screenings and receive educational health information empowering them to lead healthier lifestyles," said Gisela Preito, events coordinator for the Brandywine Center. "We are looking forward to partnering with and empowering our neighbors to lead healthier lifestyles."

A sample of one of the apartments in the Brandywine Center that officially opened on April 1.

The block party will be held on the Chester Avenue side of the center and will offer free and healthy events such as:
-- Health screenings related to dental health, blood pressure, cardiac assessment, skin cancer, depression, and exhibits with health and social service information;

-- Children's bike rodeo and clinic so bring your bike and get a free check up;
-- A special Teddy Bear Clinic from noon to 2 p.m. There will be a free Teddy Bear and health information for children;
-- Moon bounces, fire truck demonstration and pictures, face painting and more;
-- Sky Flight Care Helicopter from 4 to 5 p.m. at Abdala Park in front of Scott Middle School;
-- Fitness demonstrations, dance lessons for Salsa, Hip Hop, and line dancing;
-- Music entertainment contests -- best rapper, double dutch and more;
-- Door prizes, raffles, giveaways. Free canvas bag with registration;
-- And free food with with participation in health screenings.

The four-story, 48,00 square-foot building is the result of the Brandywine Health Foundation putting its expertise and muscle behind a project that now will provide health care to the uninsured and under-insured and housing for senior citizens.

Francis Sheehan, president and CEO, of the foundation, said the center brings together the different health-related agencies that previously were scattered throughout the city. ChesPenn Health Services and Community Dental are on the first floor and Child Guidance Resource Centers and Human Services are on the fourth floor with a large meeting room for community gatherings, educational sessions and professional training. The middle two floors each have 12 apartments for senior citizens.

The total project cost $13.2 million dollars. Sheehan said the Brandywine Foundation didn't provide funding for the construction of the health center, but has helped with operating costs. Just recently, the foundation awarded ChesPenn $2 million over the next five years; annual operating costs for ChesPenn are $1.5 million.