
3 minute read
Behind the Scenes in Downtown Dover
BY DIANE LAIRD
THE EXCITING TRANSFORMATION of downtown Dover is well underway, with multiple projects at various stages of development, and several groundbreakings planned in 2025. The Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) has led the way by launching the Capital City 2030: Transforming Downtown Dover! master plan. The plan, is comprised of 10 key redevelopment sites through the spine of the central business district, including those held by public and private entities, as well as several public recreational projects to support 2,000 new residents in the Capital City.
The plan calculates $500 million in public-private investment over the next several years. To date, more than $100 million in investment is already underway across a variety of priority strategies. These include mixed-use redevelopment projects, transportation enhancements and linkages, arts and placemaking initiatives, underground water infrastructure improvements, and a mobility center — with bike storage and repair, and commercial and retail opportunities — slated for an Oct. 31 groundbreaking.

The DDP, along with project team members including Mosaic Development Partners JV, LLC (Philadelphia), Colonial Parking Inc., and EDiS Construction (both Wilmington-based), continues to work through a myriad of project details and approvals for the four-story mobility center, as well as a 120-unit, mixed-income, mixed-use redevelopment project at 120 S. Governors Ave., in the heart of the Capital City. The Carney administration committed $28 million to support the launch of these projects, which serve as catalysts to encourage private investment.
One of those private investors in the forefront is Old Post LLC, a group of local developers undertaking the redevelopment of the former post office near Dover City Hall at the eastern gateway into town. The $7 million Old Post project will provide up to 40 market-rate apartments, on-site parking, and commercial rental opportunities projected to include a restaurant with outdoor seating. Representatives of Old Post LLC indicated the group chose to invest in Dover because the city is at a pivotal moment — its combination of strategic location, growing economic momentum, and strong community vision makes it an ideal time to contribute to its revitalization. This project reflects their belief in Dover’s future, and their commitment to being part of its continued growth.
At least 15 other private investors are taking advantage of the DDP’s Critical Improvements Program. Through this initiative, state, county, city, and private funding incentives are layered as “gap funding” to help cover the cost of retrofitting existing buildings, including upgrades to meet current ADA and life-safety standards. Several of these spaces have been vacant for 10, 15, or even 30 years. The program is also supporting the launch of several new restaurants in central Dover, which is critical to revitalizing the district. When complete, it is estimated that more than $12 million will have been leveraged alongside the DDP’s $2 million.
Site assessments have resulted in remediation and planned demolitions on several underutilized properties to make way for these projects. The DDP and project partners will continue these assessments to direct additional services required, utilizing a recently awarded $1 million multipurpose EPA grant — the first one in Delaware.
Diane Laird is the executive director of the Downtown Dover Partnership. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/CapitalCity2030.