By Glenn Rolfe

SEAFORD — Demolition has begun, and final site plans have been approved for the revitalization project of the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center.

Once a regional retail hub, the deteriorating 22-acre parcel has been mostly vacant for many decades. But now, the property is the focus of the 9th Street Development Co.’s vision for a town center, with a mix of institutional and recreational spaces, embracing both adaptive reuse and new construction.

City Council passed the final plans Tuesday, with a 5-0 vote.

Dubbed the “Seaford Innovation Center,” it will feature retail, office, institutional, medical, day care and entertainment establishments, as well as restaurants and more.

“The main theme of this design is about pedestrian connectivity, outdoor gathering and connecting all of these different uses together,” said Mike Reimann of the Becker Morgan Group design firm.

Preliminary plans were OK’d last December, and the city Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the final site plans June 13.

The estimated $60 million restoration will include anchor tenants The Mill, a co-working initiative based in Wilmington, as well as sites for Delaware Technical Community College, TidalHealth, Community Bank Delaware, Vanderwende Farm Creamery and BrightBloom, a center for children with autism.

Some existing businesses will remain and undergo upgrades. Among those are Dollar Tree, Sal’s Italian Restaurant, Rite Aid and the bowling alley.

Plus, a large amount of green space will offer such amenities as pickleball courts and walking trails.

New and relocated access points, pedestrian crossings and sidewalks are also included.

Additionally, the project has received funding for upgrades to the four streets that border the center — Stein Highway and Atlanta Road, which are state-maintained, and the city streets Tull Drive and Sussex Avenue.

As part of the build, many aboveground utilities will be buried.

“We’re working with (the Delaware Department of Transportation) and all the utility companies to have those utilities buried,” Mr. Reimann said. “It will be a significant safety and visual improvement, especially on Stein Highway.”

Demolition and excavation work began June 17, on a vacant structure at the property’s southeast corner.

The Seaford Innovation Center concept was spurred last year by developer Rob Herrera of 9th Street, who will further update city staff at a council meeting in July, Mr. Reimann said.