Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and the Rodney Square Conservancy unveiled the second phase of the Rodney Square makeover.
“The restoration of Rodney Square, our grand main public square, was long overdue,” said Purzycki. “But now, we are well on our way to returning Rodney Square to its original glory – even beyond the original vision. Upkeep for the new square will be more manageable and make the square more beautiful, attractive, and useful.”
“The city is very grateful for the efforts of the Rodney Square Conservancy,” Purzycki said. “The Conservancy set a course in 2016 for today’s efforts, which are ongoing with both government and private support. I also am most appreciative to the Governor, General Assembly, and all our project partners for helping to make this vision a reality and preserve historic Rodney Square for the entire community as well for future generations.”
The Rodney Square Conservancy retained the services several years ago of two landscape architectural firms—Robinson, Anderson, Summers, Inc., and OLIN—to complete a revitalization study of Rodney Square.
Phase one of the multiple-phased public and privately funded renovation project broke ground in September 2019 and reached completion in 2021. The initial phase included new masonry and paving, improved irrigation systems, upgraded lights and electrical systems, lighted fountains, planters, benches, and tables, trash and recycling collection bins, and new trees, shrubs, and green areas.
The new square is also being designed to accommodate a wider range of smaller community events and the more traditional larger events staged at the square. Improved accessibility to the square and more community-based activities are the primary goals of the renovation project, a release stated.
Among the improvements slated for this phase of the renovation are:
The State of Delaware is providing financial support for the estimated $4 million cost of the second phase of the Rodney Square project. Work is expected to be completed no later than September 2023.
The $4 million first phase of the project was funded by the City of Wilmington ($1.5 million) and State of Delaware ($1.8 million), as well as by Bank of America, Chemours, M&T Bank, the Wilmington Library, the law firm of Young, Conaway, Stargatt & Taylor, the law firm of Richards, Layton & Finger, the Buccini/Pollin Group, and by members of the Rodney Square Conservancy Board of Directors.
Below is a video outlining the improvements to the square and visual renderings of the finished project.
Purzycki said the 2023 Clifford Brown Jazz Festival would be held in the square as planned in June during a phase two construction hiatus, and the Downtown Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays between May and October, will continue along Market Street between 10th and 11thstreets.
Rodney Square was one of the first models of the City Beautiful Movement of the early 20th century, which espoused improving the social order of the day by introducing more beauty into the urban landscape. Amenities included the nearby Wilmington Library.
In 2011, Rodney Square, the Caesar Rodney statue, and the Nemours Building were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The fate of the Rodney statue has not been determined. The statue was removed following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police. Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a slaveholder. He is a largely forgotten Revolutionary War hero outside Delaware who rose through thunderstorms to sign the document.
Also removed from another location in Wilmington was a statue of Christopher Columbus, who enslaved and brutally crushed a rebellion of native peoples.
Prior the the markover, the century-old public square had long suffered from deferred maintenance and overall neglect under a succession of mayors facing financial challenges of older cities.
The area was also in the news when DART moved its bus hub from Rodney Square. Businesspeople and others complained about diesel fumes, loitering and petty crimes in the area that became crowded during rush periods.
DART passengers mobilized their opposition and complained about long walks to other stops when bus routes were altered, with the transit hub with indoor facilities built near the Wilmington Train Station.
Gov. John Carney walked the routes but continued to support the altered DART routes. Critics claimed that Carney was caving into corporate interests pushing for changes at Rodney Square.
