A ceremony marked the launch of a luxury townhome community in Wilmington at the site of Bancroft Mills.
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki joined Don Robitzer, Tony Ruggio and Tim Jones, partners in Montchanin Builders, and other guests at a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the opening of Wilmington’s newest residential community — The Overlook at Rockford Falls.
When construction is completed in a few years, 32 townhomes will sit on the former site of the Bancroft Mills overlooking the Brandywine River in the vicinity of Rockford Park, which is one of the oldest parks in the city.
Also participating in today’s ceremony were 8th District Council Member Charles “Bud” Freel, and new townhouse owners who are or will soon become part of the new residential community.
“Not only is this area of Wilmington steeped in natural beauty and rich history,” said Purzycki, “but it is convenient to numerous cultural and recreational amenities like the Delaware Art Museum and Alapocas Run State Park. I welcome the new residents of The Overlook at Rockford Falls and invite them to become deeply involved with our City and all that is has to offer to residents and visitors alike.”
Construction of the new townhomes, which start at about $570,000, began in January and all of the homes are scheduled to be completed by 2020.
Two finished homes are already occupied and another 20 properties have buyers lined up, which speaks to the popularity of the new community.
“We are honored to be a part of Wilmington’s continued revival, adding a much needed ‘for sale’ component to augment the red-hot rental market,” said project partner Don Robitzer. “I am humbled by the overwhelming response to The Overlook at Rockford Falls and look forward to working with the city to provide more opportunities for new homeowners in Wilmington.”
Bancroft Mills was opened in 1831 by an English immigrant, Joseph Bancroft (1803-1874).
Bancroft Mills was once the largest cotton finishing mill in the United States. Nearby Gilpin Mills, opened in 1787, was the first paper mill in Delaware.
Bancroft Mills was rebuilt following a flood in 1839 and expanded several times over the years, including in 1895 when it was consolidated with neighboring Riddle Mills.
By 1930 it was one of the largest cotton finishing works in the world. Bancroft Mills was noted for innovation and for finishing cloth produced elsewhere, and especially for producing fabric window shades.
Bancroft Mills closed in 1961 as textile producers left the northeastern United States for the southern states and remained abandoned for years.
A fire on November 9, 2016, engulfed a large section of the property, destroying several historic mill buildings and dooming any plans for renovating the space.
