In 2013, we secured a partnership to activate a vacant lot in the 400 block of Market St. across from the newly renovated loft apartments and World Café Live, naming it “The Music Garden” which is available for organizations to rent for events.
Business Marketing
To ensure that the region’s residents as well as tourists, visitors and potential investors are aware of Downtown Wilmington’s unique attractions and importance to the region’s economy, Downtown Visions currently uses a wide range of communications to promote the Downtown. Through news media contacts, press releases, social media, email, newsletters, web/mobile site and other means, Downtown Visions encourages visitation, tourism and investment. Downtown Visions partners with tourism, economic development, arts and cultural organizations, city and state government. As well, Downtown Visions shares and markets each business within the BID. Downtown Visions collects all business information including description, social links, products, images, etc. This information is available on Downtown Visions web/mobile site with each Downtown business having a separate page. We help businesses claim and verify their business on Google Places, Maps and selected social media sites. By listing each business they will immediately be visible to all consumers. We assist small business owners with the tools and training needed to utilize social media resources. This service may include collecting images, designing logos, graphic design and writing content done by local marketing and graphic design professionals who are also businesses located within the BID. Working with these marketing professionals we make recommendations, SWOT analysis and implement a marketing plan for businesses.
Music in the Streets
From Rodney Square down to the Loma District in partnership with Gable Music Ventures, Downtown Visions is creating opportunities for emerging musicians.
Outdoor Concert Venue — Downtown Visions is activating a vacant lot at 407 – 411 N Market Street with live music, food and beverages every Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m. Friday evenings and Saturday daytime may be added. The lot will also be offered to non-profits to stage events and fundraisers. Private companies wishing to stage events that benefit the community are welcome to apply.
Street Musicians — Downtown Visions is authorized by City Ordinance to issue permits for street musicians and other creative entertainment.
Wilmington Storefront Project
THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACTIVE.
Vision
Downtown Wilmington and the Creative District is home to a vibrant and dynamic consumer experience with a unique mix of retail, restaurant, pop-up, gallery and other street-level spaces.
Mission
Building on the momentum and growth that the Downtown and Creative District have experienced in recent years, the mission of the Wilmington Storefront Project (WSP) is to coordinate marketing of available storefronts and engagement with prospective tenants in order to identify appropriate uses for available spaces.
Project Description
A group of invested partners are developing a comprehensive strategy to effectively market and fill currently available spaces. Known as the Wilmington Storefront Project, this collective effort is led by a partnership of The Buccini/Pollin Group, The City of Wilmington — Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Downtown Visions.
Development Phase Goals
Inventory of all available storefronts, including space description and rent agreement details
Collection of relevant market data that prospective tenants would want information on
Evaluation of most recent list of desired retail establishments
Production and distribution of marketing materials
Creation and promotion of WSP website
Development of a list of target commercial brokers
Development of a list of target regional small business owners
Development of a 15-month cultivation strategy
Engagement of a full or part-time individual to conduct cultivation
Development of benchmarking success measures and timelines
Core Operating Activities
Lead generation
Identification and outreach to prospective business owners
Engagement with interested business owners
Site location assistance
Assistance and consultation with regulatory approvals
Access to demographic and consumer market data
Business development technical assistance
Coordination of incentives
Marketing assistance
Façade improvement
Tenant Fit Out
Signage
Downtown Development District Grants
Low-interest long-term financing
Already have a business idea and plan? Use this site to get started on your State of Delaware licenses, certifications and permits. Already running a business? Use this site to get information about renewals or expansion, and connect to State Agencies.
http://firststeps.delaware.gov/
PROPERTIES AVAILABLE
The following properties are currently available and may qualify for incentives. Please contact Lani Schweiger at lschweiger@downtownvisions.org for information.
101 W 9th St.
105 W 9th St.
113 W 9th St.
107 W 9th St.
214 W 9th St.
216 W 9th St.
219 113 W 9th St.
224 W 9th St.
226 W 9th St.
302-320 W 9th St.
401 N Market St.
402 N Market St.
404 N Market St.
405 N Market St.
406 N Market St.
407 N Market St.
408 N Market St.
409 N Market St.
410 N Market St.
411 N Market St.
412 N Market St.
415 N Market St.
417 N Market St.
608 N Market St.
627 N Market St.
701 N Market St.
727 N Market St.
815 N Market St.
824 N Market St.
835 N Market St.
907 N Orange St.
909 N Orange St.
925 N Orange St.