After more than a year of study and exploration, the Delaware Center for Horticulture's Board of Directors met on Nov. 19 to decide on the future location for the organization's headquarters. During the research process, multiple New Castle County locations were vetted.
The board voted to maintain TheDCH operations in the current Trolley Square location and to withdraw their proposal from consideration as a potential developer for the Harper-Thiel property on Miller Road.
It is estimated that the cost for site preparation, rehabilitation and construction of the historic but dilapidated buildings at Harper-Thiel would cost at least $4.8 million. The board decided that it would be an insurmountable challenge in this economic climate to raise enough money to successfully restore that property.
"The Harper-Thiel site was an intriguing prospect, and many community partners expressed enthusiasm for TheDCH to relocate to that neighborhood, but we have determined that this option is not feasible for us at this time," said Andrew Bunting, president of TheDCH Board of Directors.
Pam Sapko, TheDCH executive director, also acknowledged those who had encouraged TheDCH to consider the Ninth Ward property. "We are very grateful for the outpouring of support we experienced from the civic leaders and community members who helped us explore the feasibility of Harper-Thiel," said Sapko. "After 35 years of being based in Wilmington, TheDCH will continue its urban greening efforts in all of the City's neighborhoods - including the area around Harper-Thiel — as well as extending our programs to other towns throughout the State."
A capital campaign to renovate and expand TheDCH headquarters has already raised more than $1.7 million. This campaign was put on hold as the Board diligently explored alternative sites. New architectural plans for renovations of the Trolley Square site and a revised fundraising goal will be announced in early 2013.
About Press Release
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Comments