DCAD is Back in Session!

Downtown is excited to have so many new faces on Market Street. It’s been 2 years since the students have been back Downtown experiencing in-person learning at the Delaware College of Art & Design (DCAD).  While the students have been virtual learning for the last 18 months they are ready to be back on campus and the DCAD community and staff couldn’t be happier to welcome new and returning students!

Let's meet the Class of 2023: 

• 53 students are from Delaware, 11 came from Pennsylvania, 9 from Maryland, 7 from New Jersey, and one from Alabama! Wow!

• 95% of students are receiving financial aid (merit scholarships, state and federal grants, loans, etc.)

• Nearly $500K worth of Merit Scholarships were awarded.

DCAD has also been busy with renovations to the 707 King Street residence hall and cafeteria space. Thanks to both the Crystal Trust Foundation and the Longwood Foundation, the HVAC and air handling was completely renovated— another sign of the great things happening in Downtown Wilmington, DE. DCAD President Jean Dahlgren said, “It is so wonderful to welcome our community of artist and designers back to Wilmington, and we hope the community welcomes them as warmly as we do.”

Second-Year DCAD student and RA, Aidel Pedro said “I did well while doing school remotely, but I think that making friends and connections at school is more valuable than the information that I learn. I live in the Residence Hall, and being surrounded by creative people like myself is really inspiring since we all push each other to do better and have similar goals and interests. It's also a great opportunity to sharpen social skills. Artists need to spend a lot of time in solitude to produce art. I like being alone, but I know being isolated too long is unhealthy. Being here in person will help me grow as a person.”

You can help future students by contributing to DCAD's Scholarship Fund. This fund helps offset the cost of attending college in the form of merit-based scholarships and need-based grants.

To learn more or to keep up with what’s happening at DCAD please visit their website at www.dcad.edu.

FREE PARKING in Wilmington in August!

Looking for FREE parking in Downtown Wilmington DE? Look no further! During the month of August, visitors can take advantage of not one, but THREE free parking options in Downtown Wilmington.

• Free Valet Parking - Friday and Saturday nights from 5-10 PM at the corner of 7th & Market Streets

• Free Nightly Parking - The Wilmington Parking Authority lot at 8th & Orange Streets is free and open to the public if you enter after 6 pm during the week and all day on the weekends.

• Free Metered Parking- The City of Wilmington also offers metered parking through ParkMobile throughout the Central Business District. Metered parking is free on weeknights after 6pm and on weekends.

Additionally, Colonial Parking offers monthly residential parking at a discounted rate on the surface lots located at 5th & Orange Street, 6th & Orange Street, 7th & Orange Street, and 8th & West Street. Contact Colonial directly at 302.651.3600 to learn more and take advantage of this offer!

Downtown Visions' Lani Star Schweiger Featured as It's Time Wilmington's #PeopleofWilmDE!

Our very own Lani Star Schweiger was recently profiled as one of It’s Time Wilmington’s #PeopleofWilmDE!

Lani is the Senior Brand and Marketing Manager for Downtown Visions and the Program Manager for Main Street Wilmington. As a Wilmington native, Lani’s view of the city is uniquely personal.

“I have lived in the City of Wilmington since I was 3 years old; I grew up in the Triangle neighborhood, and have worked Downtown at Downtown Visions since 2008. I am definitely a city girl at heart.

…I grew up walking Downtown with my mom. We would often grab lunch together and go shopping at Joy Trimming (now closed). My mother always told me stories about how exciting it was to be Downtown when she was a young girl. She loved going to the Warner Theatre with her friends, eating sweets at Federal Bakery and sundaes at the Woolworths counter. Those stories made me want to continue that feeling for other generations to experience and make memories in Downtown Wilmington. I have always loved Downtown Wilmington. I love the deep history and amazing architecture and caring and advocating for this City has always been a personal passion of mine and now it’s also my professional passion.” 

Continue reading Lani’s full story on Wilmtoday.com!

The Downtown Farmer's Market in Rodney Square is Back This Summer!

It’s official! One of Downtown Wilmington’s most beloved traditions will return to Rodney Square this summer!

The 2021 season of the Downtown Wilmington Farmer’s Market at Rodney Square will kick off on June 2nd and operate every Wednesday, rain or shine, through October 27th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

Centrally located on Market Street between 10th and 11th Streets, the recently renovated Rodney Square is the perfect place for a hump-day pick-me-up!

Choose from a variety of food trucks for lunch, purchase one-of-a-kind handmade items from local artisans, and relax at one of the many shaded café tables. The Farmer’s Market also offers an array of the freshest local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers to brighten your day!

Be sure to follow our Facebook Page for the most up to date information on participating vendors, live music, and more!

Compassionate Cliff: Downtown Visions Ambassador Helps Citizen to Safety

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Downtown Visions Cleaning Ambassador Cliff Fitzgerald was out on his morning rounds one Sunday when he came across someone in need of his help. Downtown business owner, Victor Battaglia, accidentally injured himself and was without a phone or the keys to his office. Without a second thought, Cliff rushed to help him and get him to the hospital.

Mr. Battaglia wrote to the Downtown Visions office to share his experience and how grateful he was for Cliff’s assistance. Though this incident is rare, the compassion shown by Cliff is not. Cliff is a a true example of our values as an organization, and could not be more deserving of this praise.

Please read an excerpt of Mr. Battaglia’s letter below and understand just how willing to help our Ambassadors are at all times:

“I write to thank you for kindness shown to me by Cliff Fitzgerald on Sunday April 25, 2021.

On that day, I had gone to work for a client at about 8:50 a.m. My son dropped me off at the office, and I entered and put my key to the office and cell phone on the desk. In a short time, I felt the need of coffee. I went out without my keys or phone. It was Sunday and nobody with reasonable distance is open. I walked the street looking for a place. No such thing. Resumed walking to go across the street to parking garage to see if there is a phone. No phone. I went along the walkway in the garage which appeared to me to be about 4 inches above the drive way. I tried to step off the walkway to the driveway and when I did, I fell and injured myself.

As I lay on the ground, for about 5 minutes, no one stopped in the garage on or on the street.

Then I spotted your vehicle and Cliff. Problem solved. I don't know if I would have bled to death if not for him. He got me to go to the hospital and the cure was started.

I had to lengthen this letter because I want you to know the great kindness of your employee and what appeared to be my recovery.

Thank you for him and thank him for me. He is not only a good employee he is both kind and thoughtful.”

In case you didn’t know, Downtown Visions Ambassadors offer cleaning and safety support 7 days a week in the Downtown Central Business District. Next time you see one of our uniformed ambassadors (in bright yellow clothing), don’t hesitate to approach them and request information about downtown! They can give you directions, information on restaurants, hotels and local shops — just ask. You can also request a free safety escort by calling (302) 425-4200 x1 to request a free Safety Escort anywhere within the neighborhood during operating hours from 6AM to 12AM.