April 12, 2023
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and the Rodney Square Conservancy today announced that the second phase is underway of the approximately $8 million renovation of Wilmington’s main public square—Rodney Square—which was originally constructed in 1921. The City’s largest public square was suffering from deferred maintenance and needed a major aesthetic and infrastructure overhaul.
“The restoration of Rodney Square, our grand main public square, was long overdue,” said Mayor Purzycki. “But now, we are well on our way to returning Rodney Square to its original glory – even beyond the original vision. Upkeep for the new square will be more manageable and make the square more beautiful, attractive, and useful.”
“The City is very grateful for the efforts of the Rodney Square Conservancy,” the Mayor continued. “The Conservancy set a course in 2016 for today’s efforts, which are ongoing with both government and private support. I also am most appreciative to the Governor, General Assembly, and all our project partners for helping to make this vision a reality and preserve historic Rodney Square for the entire community as well for future generations.”
The Rodney Square Conservancy retained the services several years ago of two landscape architectural firms—Robinson, Anderson, Summers, Inc., and OLIN—to complete a revitalization study of Rodney Square. Phase one of the multiple-phased public and privately funded renovation project broke ground in September 2019 and was completed in 2021. The initial phase included new masonry and paving, improved irrigation systems, upgraded lights and electrical systems, lighted fountains, planters, benches, and tables, trash and recycling collection bins, as well as new trees, shrubs, and green areas. The new square is also being designed to accommodate a wider range of smaller community events in addition to the more traditional larger events staged at the square. Improved accessibility to the square and more community-based activities are the primary goals of the renovation project.
An aerial view of Rodney Square in Wilmington Delaware. Photo By Saquan Stimpson | part 107 certified
Among the improvements slated for this phase of the renovation are:
•Clean, restore, and repair all masonry components, including stairs, piers, and balustrades
•Upgrade park and historic light fixtures and associated electrical wiring
•Restore small decorative fountains
•Refurbish DART bus shelters on both 10th and 11th streets
•Provide ample paving and planting areas around the Square
Financial support for the estimated $4 million cost of the second phase of the Rodney Square project is being provided by the State of Delaware. Work is expected to be completed no later than September 2023.
The $4 million first phase of the project was funded by the City of Wilmington ($1.5 million) and State of Delaware ($1.8 million), as well as by Bank of America, Chemours, M&T Bank, the Wilmington Library, the law firm of Young, Conaway, Stargatt & Taylor, the law firm of Richards, Layton & Finger, the Buccini Pollin Group, and by members of the Rodney Square Conservancy Board of Directors. Mayor Purzycki today thanked the companies and organizations that have already contributed to the new-look Rodney Square and urged local businesses to consider becoming part of this effort.
A brief video outlining the improvements to the square and visual renderings of the finished project can be found on the City of Wilmington website, here [stories.opengov.com].
The Mayor said the 2023 Clifford Brown Jazz Festival will be held in the square as planned in June during a phase two construction hiatus, and the Downtown Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays between May and October, will continue along Market Street between 10th and 11th streets.
Rodney Square was one of the first models of the City Beautiful Movement of the early 20th century, which espoused improving the social order of the day by introducing more beauty into the urban landscape. In 2011, Rodney Square, the Caesar Rodney equestrian statue, and the Nemours Building were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.