The Delaware Technology Park on the east edge of Newark is leading out its final parcel for construction of a three-story 100,000 square-foot hub for life science and research companies with the potential to provide wet lab space for commercial spinouts from the university.
“The life sciences community continues to grow in Delaware and the region, with UD contributing critical research, innovation and workforce development,” UD President Dennis Assanis stated. “Our previous partnerships with DTP companies have yielded outstanding opportunities for students, such as internships, guest lectures, and employment. We anticipate that the companies in this new facility will open new avenues for federally funded research collaborations with UD’s faculty and research centers.”
The developer, Rockville, MD-based South Duvall, has signed an agreement to begin construction on the last remaining parcel — a nearly seven-acre piece of land fronting Wyoming Road near The Grove shopping and retail area off Library Avenue.
The property’s adjacency to UD was a major factor for the company, said Robert Scheer, South Duvall’s president. Among the reasons for his excitement: the University’s elite engineering programs, the potential to house UD facilities and that university research parks have proven to be dynamic spaces for growth across the country.
“We are excited to play a role in the next stage of the Delaware Technology Park’s growth,” Scheer said. “An impressive ecosystem has been built in Newark and this building will foster continued growth in Delaware’s life science community.”
Mike Bowman, CEO of DTP, said its management and board have wanted to fill the remaining parcel with a multi-tenant life science building for a while but have been waiting for the right market conditions.
“That time has arrived,” Bowman said. “Several local companies are seeking to expand, and new ones are interested in coming to Delaware. The proximity to UD is vital for tenants to collaborate with UD’s facilities, research talent and future workforce.”
South Duvall officials expect to bring in the first of its tenants — which will join 10 others at Innovation Way — at some point in 2025.
Kurt Foreman, president and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), praised UD Delaware Technology Park and South Duvall for their efforts, which will further DPP’s mission to attract, grow and retain businesses in Delaware.
“Increasing Delaware’s inventory of affordable, high-quality lab space invites companies from both within and outside the state to choose to grow here will support Delaware’s continued momentum in life sciences and other lab-based fields,” said Kurt Foreman, president and CEO of Delaware Prosperity Partnership. “DPP appreciates DTP’s decades of leadership in promoting the long-term growth of Delaware’s science and technology sector through projects like this and welcomes South Duvall’s recent engagement that will bring their considerable industry expertise to our state’s innovation ecosystem.”
The Technology Park, which over the years has housed research facilities and served as the launch pad for young tech and life science companies, has been out of the spotlight since the development of the STAR Campus at the site of the former Chrysler plant.
