By Mike Finney

The Downtown Development Districts program, administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority, recently released its fiscal year 2022 report.

During the year, 64 projects were completed, receiving $4.6 million in state funds and leveraging $44 million in private investment.

A majority were accomplished by rehabilitating buildings that had been vacant, placing them back into use.

In addition, several historical properties were renovated — including mixed-use buildings with commercial or retail on the first floor and residences on the upper floors — helping to preserve the character of downtowns.

Among the highlights were:

• 200Front LLC, Milford — Long dilapidated structures were demolished over several parcels to construct nine affordable town homes in the North Milford Historic District.
• Triple Twelve LLC, Middletown — Originally a residence dating back to the 1800s, this building has been renovated into a tasting room and beer garden for a microbrewery. It has begun attracting more visitors to Middletown, while supporting surrounding establishments.
• Ninth Street Holdings LLC, New Castle — A dilapidated structure, considered a blight in the neighborhood, was demolished and replaced with six town homes with brick facades.

The Downtown Development Districts initiative was created in 2014 by legislation proposed by then-Gov. Jack Markell. Through state and local collaborations, incentives are provided to overcome the financial barriers and redevelopment challenges associated with downtown growth.

Since its inception, the program has catalyzed private investment in such districts, spurring 357 completed projects and transforming distressed areas into vibrant community centers.

The 12 districts are found in Clayton, Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown, Harrington, Laurel, Middletown, Milford, New Castle, Seaford, Smyrna and Wilmington.

More information can be found on the DDD story map at stateplanning.delaware.gov/about/ddd.shtml.

Applications for 2023 large projects are closed, while requests for small projects are accepted on a rolling basis.