Wilmingtons historic public square to be renovated
Mike Purzycki, the mayor of Wilmington, was joined by the governor of Delaware, John Carney, and members of the Rodney Square Conservancy recently, to make the announcement that Rodney Square will be undergoing renovations soon.
Rodney Square is the biggest public square in Wilmington, and was first built in 1921. The officials said the square needs a major infrastructure and aesthetic overhaul, since maintenance on the area has been deferred for years. The price tag for the work is estimated at between $6m and $8m.
The project is a public-private effort that will be completed in two phases over several years. Planned improvements include:
• planting new shrubs and trees
• creating new green spaces
• installing new trash bins
• installing new recycling bins
• installing new tables and benches
• installing planters
• installing lighted fountains
• upgrading the electrical system
• upgrading the lighting system
• improving the irrigation system
• installing new paving
• installing new masonry
The redesigned square will also be able to accommodate a number of small, community-centric events, in addition to the large, traditional events often celebrated in the square. Plans also including improving access to the square. Officials developing major projects like this might like to work with a flyer printing company to create informative materials for residents.
The Nemours Building, the Caesar Rodney statue, and Rodney Square itself were all placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.