History
To control the Christina and Brandywine Rivers’ destinies, a governor’s task force created the Delaware Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC) in 1995. The Brandywine and Christina Rivers Development Corporation (RDC) was founded with the State of Delaware, providing the majority of the financing, with some extra cash coming from the City of Wilmington and New Castle County. The RDC is dedicated to fostering economic vitality along the rivers while enhancing the environment, encouraging historic preservation, and promoting public access.
One of the fascinating redevelopment tales in the country is Riverfront Wilmington. Wilmington, a developing global city halfway between New York City and Washington, D.C., is luring significant employers, restaurants, entrepreneurial ventures, and exciting residential developments. The Christina Riverfront, which was once a polluted, industrial wasteland but is now a thriving destination loved by people of all ages, is a significant component of this success story. The Riverfront Wilmington brings fantastic food, entertainment, and shopping to the city by fusing its rich history with various new attractions.
The Riverfront Wilmington neighborhood had become a popular location for real estate development since 1996 when the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware began a significant state-funded effort to restore the region’s economic vitality. Instead of dilapidated warehouses, there are now cafes, stores, and a regional conference center. The corporate headquarters of big companies are in old, run-down buildings that have been saved and fixed up. Along a formerly waste and garbage-filled beach, native plants now abound. Parking lots that were once empty have been transformed into parkland and spacious gathering areas for community events like concerts and festivals. Every acre of the redevelopment area has had environmental improvements made to help revitalize projects, improve the landscape, and bring back the ecology. The once-secret beauty of this meandering waterway is now accessible thanks to a beautiful riverwalk and a new road.
Businesses that bet on the Riverfront in its early stages are now looking for more land to expand their office space for their expanding operations. Several recently opened restaurants have long lines of people waiting for tables with a view of the water. Before it was even built, the first riverside apartment building had all its tenants.
Riverfront Wilmington’s prospects are pretty promising. A children’s museum, office space in a renovated historic building overlooking the Stadium, a luxurious complex of townhouses and flats, and new construction for the corporate headquarters of a large regional employer are among the projects that are now under development.
Riverfront Wilmington offers suburban office park benefits plus urban conveniences. For a variety of factors, including the following, businesses increasingly select riverfront real estate:
- The immediate access to transit, with all Riverfront sites only one mile from Interstate 95, the Amtrak rail station, and the Philadelphia International Airport less than 30 minutes away.
- A population density of more than 6 million people within a 50-mile radius can accommodate retail enterprises and workforce needs.
- Convenient facilities for workers, including plenty of eateries, stores, and cultural destinations close by.
- A pristine setting with staff, maintenance, and security ambassadors constantly on the move.
- Plenty of surface parking. Need they say more?
- Additionally, there is all the excitement that comes with a young, dynamic workforce, an entrepreneurial culture, and the simple pleasure of living and working along a beautiful riverside.
RDC is currently trying to purchase the land along the two rivers outright, lease it for an extended period, or work with private developers to do so. These methods can be applied singly or in combination. It can act as a developer, construction manager, and leasing company in Wilmington and its service area includes the area near the Christina and Brandywine Rivers.
Over the past 17 years since the organization’s founding, RDC has experienced success on various fronts. Not only is Riverfront Wilmington a significant hub for employment and tourism for the community, but it’s also a place where locals can go for unique entertainment, a taste of history, warm shops, and a variety of gastronomic delights.
Attractions
Chase Fieldhouse
The Chase Fieldhouse is a cutting-edge multi-purpose arena and sports complex on the Riverfront’s East Side, just off Route 13. It has a seating capacity of 2,500 people. The Fieldhouse not only serves as the residence of the Delaware Blue Coats, the G-League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, but it also hosts a variety of regional sports tournaments for high school and collegiate athletes, as well as sports-specific clinics and a great deal more.
Delaware Blue Coats
The National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia 76ers’ G-League affiliate team is the Delaware Blue Coats. Late November through April is the active season for this league, and all home games are held at the Riverfront’s Chase Fieldhouse, which can be found at 401 Garasches Lane, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801.
Frawley Stadium
Several events are held each year at the Daniel S. Frawley Stadium, which is currently 27 years old. The main tenants are the Wilmington Blue Rocks, a Class A team for the Kansas City Royals that plays in the Carolina League. The Blue Rocks, one of the top minor league baseball teams, are starting their 27th season. Seeing a Blue Rocks game has become a ritual in Delaware. Every year, they play 70 home games in addition to postseason tournaments.
Numerous corporate and charitable events, concerts, amateur baseball games, high school and other amateur baseball games, and hundreds of other events are also held at the Stadium. The public may also utilize Frawley Stadium. Frawley Stadium is the hub of amateur athletic activity in Delaware and the surrounding area.
Kalmar Nyckel
It is impossible to miss the magnificent sight of the Kalmar Nyckel’s enormous mast and intricate rigging, which adorn the riverside docks. This copy is made by hand using the same traditional artistry as the original ship. It is modeled after the Swedish boat that delivered the first permanent European inhabitants to the Christina River’s banks in 1638.
This historic ship contributes to the history of the Riverfront as it is docked at the Copeland Maritime Center, the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, and the Shipyard Shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb up on deck for sails around the Christina River and ship excursions!
Riverwalk and Hare Pavilion
Please park your vehicle and stroll down the Riverwalk to stretch your legs. Accessible only by foot, the attractions along Riverside Wilmington may be reached along this riverfront walk that spans 1.3 miles. More than 5,000 trees and shrubs, 36,000 annual, perennial, and grass plants, and 27,600 wetlands plants are present. Make up the vast native plantings. These may be enjoyed by those taking walks around the area.
When ready to take a break, you may unwind in one of the many meeting spots, seats, or the Hare Pavilion along the trail. A gazebo measuring 30 by 40 feet with direct access to the Riverwalk overlooks the Christina River and is located at the foot of Old West Street. Up to three hundred persons can use the Hare Pavilion’s surrounding manicured space. It is accessible by corporations, private parties, or even the community.
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