Ben duPont and Don Wirth have agreed to purchase the DuPont Country Club, DowDuPont CEO Edward Breen announced. Terms were not disclosed
Residential development of the site is not planned.
Ben duPont is a member of the family that founded the company and has been active in community affairs in Delaware
According to Breen, du Pont and Wirth plan to “expand and enhance the club and its offerings for the greater Wilmington community.”
‘Fantastic outcome’
“This is a fantastic outcome, and we are thrilled to have identified community-minded buyers who will bring the focus and resources to allow the club to fulfill its potential,” Breen wrote.
Ben duPont is a Partner at Chartline Capital Partners, and Don Wirth retired as Vice President, Corporate Supply Chain at DuPont in 2014.
“We see this as a unique opportunity to protect the legacy of the DuPont Country Club and continue the 98-year history of this important Delaware tradition and community asset,” said Ben duPont. “Our plan is to build on the traditions of the club by creating a state-of-the-art, affordable and family-focused club for the Greater Wilmington community.”
Upgrade includes pool, fitness center
The new owners plan to make an initial investment of $18 million to upgrade and enhance the club. Dues will remain unchanged through 2019
Planned improvements include the addition of a pool and a fitness facility, upgrades to the golf and tennis facilities, enhanced dining options and expanded youth sports capabilities.
Dan Bradway will continue in his role as the club’s general manager and will be responsible for day-to-day operations.
“As you may recall, when we announced the sale of the Hotel duPont to the Buccin/ Polin Group last year, we committed to identifying a buyer for the DuPont Country Club who would be similarly committed to ensuring a bright future for the iconic property and, importantly, maintaining it as a club. Ben and Don have deep roots in the community, and as longtime club members and avid golfers, they are the ideal owners to ensure it remains a centerpiece of the Wilmington community for generations to come,” Breen wrote.
The buyers are expected to extend employment offers to all current DuPont Country Club employees.
According to Breen, the goal is to close the sale in the second quarter of this year.
Fears of residential development
The future of the landmark country club has been an area of concern with residents of the area fearing residential development in the area.
Efforts are underway to redevelop country clubs in New Castle County into residential developments.
The country club, which remains a popular venue for social events, has been in need of upgrades. The DuPont Co. has undergone corporate upheavals that included the merger with Dow to create DowDuPont.
In the next year or so, DowDuPont will be spun off into three publicly traded companies, with two having their headquarters in Delaware.
The DuPont Country Club occupies more than 500 acres in northern Delaware and features three 18-hole golf courses and 25 tennis courts in addition to the 113,000-square foot clubhouse.
The sale includes the Brantwyn Estate. Over the years the Club has hosted a number of professional and amateur golf tournaments, including the LPGA Tour’s McDonald’s Championship from 1987 to 2004.
