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

723 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

Because "Adulting" Can be Hard...Join Us at Adulting 101!

Some of us cannot wait to get out of college and get into the "real world" then we quickly realize just how good we had it in "the good ol' days."

Some of us are more prepared than others. Some of us have mountains of college debt, others none at all. Some of us are still eating our staple ramen soup....some of us are a bit more sophisticated. Some of us have landed our dream job or created it from scratch....others are staring at their computers desperate for a different path. For those feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next financial or career step, enter "Adulting 101."

Adulting 101 is an entertaining yet serious class perfect for any millennial looking for a little bit of enlightenment and guidance. Join us on September 19th from 6-7:30 PM at the Mill Auditorium located at 1007 N Orange Street Wilmington, DE. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Topics covered include finding your purpose; aligning your passion and purpose to a career; navigating personal finances including student loans; funding your entrepreneurial vision, and bridging generational gaps in the workplace. 

This class is generously hosted by Accelerate Delaware.

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

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

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.

• Delaware Theatre Company
• Clifford Brown Jazz Festival
• The Queen Wilmington
• Wilmington Grand Prix
• Merchant Bar
• Riverfront Mini Golf

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

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

Wilmington, DE has Never Tasted so Good: Take a Tour of the City's Best Gems with Matt Sullivan of Good Taste Blog

When your neighboring city is Philadelphia, a place known nationally for their delicious eats, you have to step up your game and Wilmington does just that.

With some precious gems, award winning restaurants and mouth watering bakeries such as Market Street Bakery and Cafe, which serves up the cream puffs pictured above, the food critics around here are well-versed and blunt. Which is exactly why we love Matt Sullivan's local Good Taste Blog. 

Whether you are looking for the next best place for brunch, or Wilmington's newest hotspot or even some of the greatest brews and meads, Matt has you covered. With 34 posts on Downtown Wilmington you might just find yourself salivating at the pictures alone!  

As Matt proclaims, "From four-star dining to the best holes in the wall, we’ll cover it all. Come along on our gastronomical tour of Greater Wilmington, Delaware and I promise you’ll get a good taste of everything."

Photo Credit: Jim Graham

Inspired by all the local eats and ready to start up your own restaurant downtown? Downtown Vision's business resources can help get you started!

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

Excellent Customer Service with a Side of Jazz Music: Meet "Billy" of the Nomad Bar

When customers walk into The Nomad Bar, they usually see William Cerasari, known as “Billy,” behind the polished wooden bar. With a nod and a slight smile, he greets you as he mixes cocktails and pours microbrews.  “I am enlightened every time I come to work,’’ said the Salesianum School graduate. “People seem so much more intelligent after a few alcoholic beverages.”

At age 21 he answered an ad in the News Journal for a bartending position on the Lady Christina cruise ship. That was 32 years ago and although the ship no longer exists, Billy is still pouring.  “It seemed like a good way to make extra cash,” said Billy, 53. Today, he is a familiar face to long-time residents, who have known him from his many years in the Wilmington bar scene.

“Billy came with the bricks,” said Linda Vandever, who co-owns The Nomad Bar along with her husband, Dave Vandever. The couple spent 18 months renovating the space before opening the bar in 2011. When everything was ready, Dave knew he wanted Billy serving the drinks. “A friend said he’s the guy you want,” said Dave.

Billy said he has always enjoyed the live music that came with bartending.  The Nomad Bar, where there is never a cover, features talented jazz musicians, along with performers who play blues, reggae, and funk. The music draws a diverse group of folks of all races and ages. For upcoming events, visit their Facebook page. 

The Nomad Bar

905 N. Orange St. Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 547-1912

Owners: Dave and Linda Vandever

By Adriana Camacho-Church ACCpen1@gmail.com

Downtown Visions Contributing Writer