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

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. 

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

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 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!

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.

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.

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

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

Did you know? Downtown Wilmington Offers Free Safety Ambassador Services!

Whether you need directions on where to go, are curious about the local history of the beautiful buildings that surround you on Market Street or would like someone to walk you to your vehicle late at night, the Downtown Visions Safety Ambassadors are here to serve you. 

Did you know the friendly folks in the bright yellow along the Market Street corridor receive over 80 hours of training on topics such as crime prevention, customer service, local history and local attractions? These individuals serve the community daily at no cost to the public and have increased their service hours recently to Monday through Thursday starting at 6 AM until 11:45 PM and weekend hours are 9 AM thru 1:45 AM. 

Simply call (302) 425-4200 x1 to request a free Safety Escort anywhere within the neighborhood.

Interested in joining the team and serving the local community? Click here for current career opportunities.