Ground was broken on September 9 for the $7 million renovation of Wilmington’s main public square, Rodney Square.
The city’s largest public square is suffering from deterioration because of deferred maintenance and needs an overhaul. This first phase of the renovation project is expected to be completed early next year. Rodney Square will get fountains, upgraded lighting, benches and tables, and new paving and plantings as a result of the facelift. The publicly and privately funded project is expected to cost between $6 million and $8 million. Officials say the renovations are intended to improve accessibility of the square and accommodate a wider range of smaller community events there.
Rodney Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an example of community planning, development and civic architecture.
The Delaware Transit Corporation is one of several public/private partners behind the project. Downtown Visions, the city of Wilmington and the Buccini/Pollin Group are also stakeholders.
“Many elements of the Wilmington community are committed to this restoration and the sustainability of the Rodney Square space,” said BPG President Rob Buccini. “We hope to combine a strong private side with the state and city interests in forming a Friends of Rodney Square organization.”
This is not the first time efforts have been made to revive Rodney Square.
In 1990, a similar group of government and private interests, led by the Garden Club of Wilmington, proposed the goal of restoring the square. Since that time, continuing changes and overuse have tarnished its overall condition.
Phase One of the project, which is expected to cost $4 million, is scheduled to be finished early next year. A combination of state, city and private money will cover the project’s cost. DTC is investing $500,000. Contributions from the other partners and potential future partners through “Friends of Rodney Square,” have not been finalized.
State and city officials joined business leaders to publicize the start of the renovation project of Rodney Square.
Rodney Robinson and Geoff Anderson will give an update on Rodney Square at the Club’s October meeting. Go to Calendar for more details about the meeting.
Renovation Plans for Wilmington’s Rodney Square