Lani Schweiger
The Downtown Wilmington App

Downtown Visions released the Downtown Wilmington App, a one stop shop for all the happenings in Downtown Wilmington, DE.

The Downtown Wilmington App
Lani Schweiger
Community Highlight: Christina Cultural Arts ...

In this month’s blog, we are highlighting the Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. Executive Director, James “Ray” Rhodes discusses the history of the Christina Cultural Arts Center and its importance to our community.

Community Highlight: Christina Cultural Arts Center

wilmington de businesses

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Best of Delaware 2020: Downtown Wilmington Winners!

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It’s that time of year again! Delaware Today has announced its annual Best of Delaware winners. Readers and editors throughout the state have nominated and voted for their favorite Delaware Businesses, and over 18 establishments in our very own Downtown Wilmington community have won!

So please join us in congratulating these well-deserving businesses! It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for the small business owners here in Downtown Wilmington, but with support from their loyal customers, they can and will survive this storm. The magazine said it best: “As the world opens back up and we ease into new habits, your support for the work of our Best of Delaware winners and their peers will be more important than ever.”

Celebrate these winners during the 2020 Best of Delaware Week, July 23–Aug. 1, and support their hard work by visiting their in-store location, ordering take out, or purchasing a gift card!

Reader’s Choice

Editor’s Picks

Riverfront Winners

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Making Market Street Beautiful & Welcoming Again: Downtown Visions Security Gate Removal Program

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721 N. Market Street receives a face lift and has their security gate removed thanks to Downtown Vision's Main Street Wilmington program. 

721 N. Market Street receives a face lift and has their security gate removed thanks to Downtown Vision's Main Street Wilmington program. 

One of the first things you notice when you pull onto Market Street for the first time are the gorgeous, colorful historical buildings. What you may not know, is that at one time these beautiful storefronts were somewhat hidden by unsightly security gates. Thanks to Downtown Visions and their Main Street Wilmington Program, many of the gates have been removed.

The goal of removing the security gates was to not only improve the overall atmosphere of Market Street, but to also encourage growth and redevelopment. Perception is critical and new businesses and residents feel much more welcome in an area without security gates. 

Wilmington is not the only city taking down the gates, in 2009, New York City Council voted to ban the kind of security gates that completely shield commercial storefront windows and doors from view — ones that resemble old-fashioned auto garage doors. Removal of solid gates are also a safety precaution, officers and firefighters now have the ability to look inside in an emergency.

Downtown Visions is proud to be paving the way in Wilmington, completely funding the removal project. Security gate removal grants are paid for 100% by Downtown Visions under the Main Street Wilmington program to improve the property value and appearance of each approved applicants. Thus far, Downtown Visions is proud to have removed  27 security gates. 

Lani Schweiger, Main Street Wilmington Project & Communication Coordinator explained, "The original external security gates were very dated.  By removing them it makes the Downtown area look better aesthetically and allows potential customers to view window displays after hours."

701 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE

701 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE

723 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE

723 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

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Experience Downtown Wilmington: Take a Closer Look with this Video!

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Are you considering moving to Wilmington, DE or perhaps taking a vacation here? Experience the best the area has to offer and watch this stunning video put together by our friends at the Greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley Visitors Bureau. Even if you have been in the area for ages, you are sure to discover a new place to visit!

Below are some of the definite stops you will want to make during your travels that are in the Downtown Wilmington area and featured above.

Looking for some more incredible downtown businesses and attractions? Check out our full directory here. 

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab