Investments from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Bond Bill will fund new residences, businesses, parking

 

DOVER, Del. – Governor Carney and Dover-area legislators on Thursday announced the State’s plan to invest more than $25 million in three priority projects for revitalizing downtown Dover.

 

“The State of Delaware has a vested interest in the success of downtown Dover, not only because it is our capital city, but because it is where thousands of state employees work and where many would like to live,” said Governor Carney. “The current downtown Dover revitalization plan builds on years of ideas about how to breathe new life into the area, with specific projects laid out by an experienced redeveloper to attract residents and businesses. This is the jumpstart downtown Dover has been waiting for, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

 

The proposed funding is an investment in the Capital City 2030 strategic plan completed in 2023 for transforming downtown Dover with new residences, businesses, parking and infrastructure. With $10 million proposed in the Fiscal Year 2025 recommended Bond Bill and $15.1 million allocated by the Governor from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the City of Dover and Downtown Dover Partnership will be able to proceed with:

 

•           Critical water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades necessary to support downtown development, with a projected cost of $1.7 million;

•           A six-story retail and residential building at 120 South Governors Avenue, envisioned to have a community grocery store, daycare and retail space along with 140-180 residential units, with a total projected cost of around $80 million; and

•           A multilevel transportation center between South Governors and South Bradford Street with more than 300 parking spaces, bus stop, bike share and electric vehicle charging, to serve downtown businesses and provide parking for the new retail-residential building across the street, with a projected cost of about $14 million.

 

Mosaic Development Partners, the team selected by the Downtown Dover Partnership to create the strategic plan, has also been selected by the Partnership to develop the two properties. Mosaic has a track record of successful redevelopment projects, largely around Philadelphia, including at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Colonial Parking Inc. is also a partner in the project.

 

The state funding will be split between the city and the Partnership and is expected to fully fund the utility work and the parking garage construction. A portion of the state funding will be added to private loans and investment, housing tax credits and grants to finance the retail-residential building. As with revitalization efforts in other cities in recent years, state funding is needed to match and encourage private investment at the early stages. 

 

“This incredible investment in downtown Dover represents a potential game changer in our ongoing efforts to revitalize the heart of Kent County,” said State Senator Trey Paradee. “On behalf of my constituents, I want to thank Governor John Carney for his unwavering commitment to the Capital City, from the redevelopment projects unlocked by the Downtown Development Districts program to his personal involvement in facilitating a smooth hand-off of the former Wesley College campus to Delaware State University. The investments being announced today will continue that work by bringing new housing, new shops and a new parking garage to downtown Dover.”

 

“I have been coming to downtown Dover my whole life, and have been advocating for its revitalization on city council and as a legislator,” said State Representative Sean Lynn. “I hope this state investment will help return the community and vitality the area had when I was a kid, while also making it an affordable and diverse place to live.”

 

“This $25 million investment represents a powerful commitment to our community, effectively addressing so many of our constituents’ most pressing issues – ranging from housing to transportation to infrastructure. Additionally, it’s these sorts of investments that will help us attract talented and sought after workers in the fields of education and healthcare,” said State Representative Kerri Evelyn Harris. “I appreciate all that Governor Carney has done to secure this new funding, which will open doors to new opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and foster a city that thrives on inclusivity and prosperity.”

 

“The City of Dover has a solid roadmap for its revitalization, building on efforts the city and its partners have been making over the last several years, and this state funding will make those plans a reality” said Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen. “Combining the Governor’s Avenue projects with the city’s recent selection of a redeveloper for the old post office and construction on the new Family Court building and parking garage, the key building blocks for downtown’s future are coming into place.”

 

“All I can say is wow! The pieces of the puzzle that form Capital City 2030 are coming together. The plan truly spells out the direction for revitalization of our downtown that is so needed,” said Todd Stonesifer, Downtown Dover Partnership Chair and downtown business owner. “With the Governor’s and Dover-area legislators’ support, I believe the first of many projects are now a reality and the dominoes will begin to fall rapidly toward fulfilling our goal of a truly transformed Capital City!”

 

Governor Carney and Dover leaders will tour the development sites next week.

 

Visit Governor Carney’s website to view the Fiscal Year 2025 Recommended Budget.

Dover is unlocking the potential of its historic downtown with a new marketing campaign highlighting opportunities for small business owners ready to take their business dreams to the next level.

State and local officials led by Gov. John Carney; Linda Parkowski, acting director of the Delaware Division of Small Business and Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen today unveiled the “Unlock the Block” campaign, an effort to fill vacant commercial spaces in downtown Dover.

The “Unlock the Block” initiative assists landlords in finding tenants for those desirable spaces and directs property owners to incentives available for redeveloping their properties.

The initiative focuses on commercial properties along Loockerman Street and adjacent streets.

Tenants will be selected through a pitch competition judged by local experts. Those selected for the program will receive a combination of incentives and assistance, including fee waivers, free business consulting services, technical assistance and cash incentives.

“Unlock the Block” could become a model other Delaware cities and towns use to reduce commercial vacancies in their downtowns, Gov. John Carney said.

“Delaware’s small cities and towns offer an exceptional quality of life and an authentic experience to those who live, work or shop there. They are one of the reasons tourists choose to come to Delaware,” Gov. Carney said. “Small business is a crucial part of Delaware’s economy.  Some 96 percent of businesses in the state have 50 employees or fewer, so an initiative like ‘Unlock the Block’ is key to keeping our downtowns filled with strong small businesses that make those downtowns the kind of place people want to live and visit.”

“Unlock the Block” is the result of a partnership among several organizations – the Downtown Dover Partnership, City of Dover, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Kent Economic Partnership, First State Community Loan Fund, NCALL and the Division of Small Business (Downtown Delaware).

“’Unlock the Block’ is a prime example of a partnership between the Division of Small Business and nonprofits, local government and other stakeholders that helps create an environment across Delaware where businesses of all kinds and sizes can prosper, from the high-tech companies at the University of Delaware’s STAR campus to the destination shops and restaurants filling Delaware’s increasingly vibrant downtowns,” Parkowski said.

A centerpiece of the marketing campaign is a video produced by downtown Dover-based Big River Film Co. showcasing several businesses also in the downtown that already have found success.

Following the kick-off event, Gov. Carney and other officials visited the available commercial properties and toured several downtown businesses including House of Coffi, The Moving Experience real estate office, Petite Sweets, a bakery that makes cake pops, and The Loocke, a women’s apparel shop, whose owner also owns Bel Boutique, also in downtown Dover.

“Downtown Dover has a lot to offer anyone who is considering starting or expanding a business. From financial incentives to accessible government officials, we are a big enough to be a city but small enough to be a hometown.” Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen said. “Through the city of Dover, Kent County and state of Delaware, there are many incentives and grants available to help pave the way. With so many people living, working and playing in and around the downtown Dover area, it is a formula for success.”

To date, four commercial properties are participating in the “Unlock the Block” program, all of which are available for lease. “Unlock the Block” organizers continue to recruit other landlords to participate.

• 1 West Loockerman Street: This landmark building is located at the prominent corner of State and Loockerman streets. The 6,000 square-foot space (sub-dividable) includes a commercial kitchen and bar area.
• 155 S. Bradford Street: This newly renovated office space on the second floor above 33 West offers five flexible offices suites and a shared conference room.
• 204 Loockerman Street: The 1,200 square-foot space is on the ground floor of a four-story apartment building next to Bayard Pharmacy, at the corner of Loockerman and South Governors streets. It would be suitable for retail or office space.
• 147 S. Governors Avenue: This space was formerly occupied by a bakery so it would be ideal for use as a bakery or could be reconfigured for retail or office use.

Applications from prospective tenants will be accepted through July 9. The pitch competition will occur in late July/early August and the winners will be announced by Aug. 15.

To apply for the “Unlock the Block” initiative and information, including updates on properties, related events and project details, visit:  www.DowntownDoverPartnership.com