Will Minster is no longer with Wilmington Downtown Visions as manager of Main Street Wilmington.
Minster had headed the downtown improvement effort since 2011. A part of the Minster jewelry store family in Newark, he owned a store in Wilmington prior to becoming the downtown director.
“While Wilmington has new leadership and vision it has gotten more complicated to implement grassroots revitalization. Small Business has changed so much and the title of shopkeeper no longer exists,” Minster said.
“With so much investment in the city, there also has come differing ideas on what the city should become. And that is good, disagreement is good, debate is good, even argument is good. Momentum is there and it is best for me to step aside,” Minster said.
Minster noted that since 2011, 50 building facades have been renovated with over 60 grants awarded to small businesses,
Minster has obtained a real estate license and is now affiliated with the commercial real estate firm of Patterson Woods. He had announced that affiliation earlier this year.
During Minster’s tenure as downtown director, the area has seen an apartment building boom and a wave of investment, with the lower part of Market Street (LOMA) seeing increased activity.
At the same time, the retailing and restaurants scene remains a mixed picture with many comings and goings.
Downtown has also struggled with DuPont moving its headquarters outside in the city and Bank of America trimming operations and putting buildings on the market.
Chemours recently agreed to a long-term lease deal in the DuPont Building, with Buccini/Pollin Group purchasing the structure and making plans to renovate office space and the Hotel duPont.
There was no immediate comment on Minster’s departure from Wilmington’s Downtown Visions, an organization that provides maintenance and security services in the area.
Minster’s original announcement in a Facebook post was greeted with praise for his efforts.
