The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has reserved $5.5 million in funding for 15 development projects across four municipalities through the state’s Downtown Development District (DDD) program. (Photo provided by DDD)
The funding is intended to help catalyze $173.6 million in private investment in revitalization efforts in Dover, Laurel, Georgetown, and Wilmington. Projects receiving reservations include Villa Maria at Brandywine, The Old Post, Laurel Redevelopment Corporation, and Orange Street Lot, LLC.
“Across Delaware, Downtown Development Districts are critical to creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where both families and small businesses can thrive,” said Governor Matt Meyer.
“We’re doubling down on those efforts with more investment, faster permitting, and making sure that affordable housing is part of every conversation about sustainable growth.”
Now in its tenth year, the DDD program was established by the General Assembly in 2014 to promote private investment in commercial districts and neighborhoods across Delaware. The initiative provides a 20% state rebate on eligible property improvements in designated districts, including structural, interior, and exterior upgrades.
“This year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Downtown Development District program, and the 427 residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects completed since 2015 are a testament to the program’s resounding success,” said DSHA Director Matthew Heckles.
“It shows that through strategic investments and public-private partnerships, we can create new homes and new businesses, leading to more jobs, historic preservation, and revitalized communities in Delaware’s towns and cities. Investing in our downtowns means investing in our residents. I’m proud of the impact the DDDs have had and am thankful for the state appropriations and private investments that have made this possible.”
The program has designated 12 districts statewide: Wilmington, Dover, Seaford, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Milford, Smyrna, the City of New Castle, Clayton, Delaware City, and Middletown. Since its inception, $39.2 million in state rebates have supported $574.7 million in private investment across these districts.
Large project reservations, such as the ones announced this week, are awarded through a competitive application process. Investors must complete their projects and submit final documentation to receive funding. Projects must exceed $350,000 in eligible costs, while a separate program for small projects between $25,000 and $350,000 is currently closed for the fiscal year.
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