Community

Transforming Wilmington One Façade at a Time-218 Grille, Residence Inn and 9th Mile Galleria Receive Grants

218 Grille

Within the Wilmington Downtown Business Improvement District, a block-by-block inventory done by Downtown Visions in 2009 showed that 78% of the buildings would benefit from improved façade treatments. Today, over 66 buildings have been improved, most recently 218 Grille, Residence Inn and the 9th Mile Galleria. 

 

 

 

A walk down Market Street proves that the program has been incredibly successful in the restoration of the once hidden and neglected historic character. Market Street now provides visitors and residents with a charming and welcoming atmosphere thanks to restored buildings and storefronts through Downtown Visions'  Façade Improvement Program and Main Street Program. Downtown Visions staff oversee each individual exterior improvement project from beginning to end as well as provide grants on a matching basis up to $25,000 per façade improvement. For more information on the program and how it could benefit your business or entrepreneurial venture, click here. 

 

 

 

1300 market street
9 mile galleria

Making Business Dreams a Reality - Downtown Visions Teams up with Comenity Bank to Support Stitch House and Margaux

Downtown Visions and Stitch House

Downtown Visions’ Façade Improvement Program is not only making our city a more beautiful place, it is also creating jobs and making business dreams a reality. Two of Wilmington's most recent popular dining scene additions received support through generous donations from Comenity Bank to the Façade Improvement Program.

Stitch House Brewery Economic Impact:

  • Downtown Visions’ Interior Fit-Out Grant helped to bring the  very first Micro Brewery to Downtown Wilmington
  •  The Downtown Visions Façade Improvement Program along with a generous donation from Comenity Bank offset a total interior construction cost of $788,693.79 with a $12,500 contribution.
  • Added 170 indoor and 16 outdoor seasonal seats to the Downtown Community
  • This project brought 31 new jobs to Downtown Wilmington
  • Stitch House brings even more action to the Market Street corridor with hours 7 days a week (open until 1 AM Monday-Saturday)
Margaux Wilmington DE

Margaux Economic Impact:

  • The opening of Margaux at 902 N Market St. created 22 new downtown jobs and opportunities
  • The Downtown Visions Façade Improvement Program along with a generous donation from Comenity Bank offset a total construction cost of $370,000 with a $12,500 Interior Fit-Out Grant
  • Added 74 new dining chairs to a destination restaurant in the heart of the Downtown area

Could your next big business idea use support from Downtown Visions, or would you like to support this impactful cause? Contact us to learn more. 

The 7th Annual Ladybug Festival presented by Chase Kicks off Next Weekend!

Ladybug Music Festival Wilmington DE

Getting recognized by Bilboard.com was just the beginning. Going into their 7th year, the all-female music festival featuring some of the best talent in the country is taking gender inequality on by storm, providing free concerts to the public and getting an entire city pumped up with excitement. 

This year's festival promises to be the largest yet, with music venues, coffee shops, pizza parlors, and even beauty salons taken over by the block-party like atmosphere with talented female musicians in every corner. There will even be an event dedicated to children, called, Little Ladybugs within the Delaware History Museum.

little ladybugs

For the full schedule of events, click here. Last year's event was an unforgettable celebration of womanhood, music and community for all those that attended. Watch the short video below and immerse yourself in the Ladybug experience. 

Downtown Visions is proud to be a sponsor of The Ladybug Festival.

Follow Ladybug Music Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

A Spectacular Fireworks Display on Wilmington's Riverfront this 4th of July!

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Make this 4th of July the best one yet and spend the entire day on the Wilmington Riverfront. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and a spectacular fireworks display! Check out the celebratory events below. We have all the details-from where to celebrate to avoiding the traffic!

The city's Fourth of July celebration kicks off at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park at 12:30 p.m. with local bands, food vendors, children's games, tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, and other family-themed activities. Below is the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park schedule: 

  • 12:30 - 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to bring a blanket, chair, lawn games, and your own picnic. 
  • 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. Kalmar Nyckel Tours
  • 8:00 - 9:15 p.m. The Delaware Symphony Orchestra performs a celebratory concert of American music.
  • 9:30 p.m. The July 4th Freedom Celebration Fireworks Show will conclude the evening.

Other events will take place along the Riverfront throughout the day brought to you by the Riverfront Development Corporation, including Riverboat Queen and River Taxi cruises and live music at Constitution Yards. 

  • 5:00 - 9:30 p.m. Live Music from Country By Night at Constitution Yards Beer Garden

Traffic Restrictions

Several road closures will be in effect for the City's Fourth of July celebration. Major crowds are expected and it is recommended that those wishing to view the fireworks arrive at the Riverfront no later than 8:00 p.m. to ensure an enjoyable experience.

 

Street closures and traffic advisories for the event are below. All roads will be re-opened at the conclusion of the fireworks show.

  • Rosa Parks Drive between Market and French Streets at Tubman-Garrett Park will be closed beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3.
  • The Market Street Bridge will be closed to pedestrian and motorized traffic from Water Street through to A Street from 8:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
  • A Street from Market to Walnut Streets will be closed beginning at 8:30 p.m.
  • All roads exiting from Martin Luther King Boulevard into the Riverfront area, including South Madison Street, Tatnall Street, Market Street, Orange Street, West Street, and Walnut Street will be closed beginning at 8:30 p.m. in preparation for the fireworks show.
  • Traffic leaving the Shipyard Shops or Riverfront restaurants area by way of Madison Street at the end of the evening will be directed to exit along Stadium Drive and onto Beech Street and out Justison Street.

 More information can be found on the City of Wilmington's website.

 

Join Us for KEEP IT COOL Music, Art & Comedy Series at Humble Park!

humble park wilmington de

Food trucks, local art, live music and comedians...all free and open to the public. What more could you ask for? Downtown Visions is proud to partner with Spaceboy Clothing to continue The KEEP IT COOL Music, Art & Comedy Series at Humble Park located at 4th & Shipley Streets throughout the summer.

The first event will take place on July 13th at 7 PM and Feature Live Music by: The Collingwood, The Psychedelic Puppets & Gamma Wolf.

Additional events will take place the entire summer, click here to learn more. 

Thank you to the generous sponsors:
Downtown Visions
IN Wilmington
Bruce Productions
Poppycock Tattoo
Jerry's Artarama
The Buccini Pollin Group
Tri-State Underground
Southbound Comedy
The City of Wilmington

*If you're an artist interested in showing, e-mail spaceboyshows@gmail.com

Humble Park Wilmington DE