Main Street in Hays used to be called Chestnut Street. That’s the history behind the name of the Downtown Hays Chestnut Street District. A ribbon cutting Wednesday morning marks the newest Chestnut Street Gateway marker, at 8th and Oak. Another marker is already in place at 8th and Main. The limestone markers are the work of Hays artist Pete Felten.
The Downtown Hays Development Corporation was formed 11 years ago to facilitate the restoration of downtown.