The Laurel Redevelopment Corporation (LRC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony last Wednesday to kick off the Promenade housing project. LRC also took those in attendance to the site of two other ongoing projects.
The Promenade will consist of 14 buildings with 28 affordable starter homes, priced at the Sussex County area median income. The 1,300 square foot homes will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a front porch, and a rear deck.
Shown during the groundbreaking for the Promenade affordable housing project in Laurel are: Laurel Mayor John Shwed, State Senator Bryant Richardson, State Representative Tim Dukes, NeighborGood Partners Chief Financial Officer Dave Callahan, LRC Executive Director Brian Shannon, DSHA Director Cynthia Karnai, DSHA Director of Housing Stephanie Griffin, and Nally Ventures VP of Development Conor Nally. Photo by Mike McClure
“We’ll be able to offer these homes at a rate that people can afford,” said LRC Executive Director Brian Shannon, who added that the homes will reflect the style and architecture of homes built in Laurel many years ago.
The Promenade is part of the town’s redevelopment plan for the Broad Creek waterfront and is a Delaware State Housing Authority Downtown Development District Large Project. The plan, known as “The Ramble” includes a new riverwalk with the first phase expected to be finished by next spring.
“There’s a lot of things at work in the community and this is going to be a big part of it,” Laurel Mayor John Shwed said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Next up was a tour of the affordable housing project under construction at 510 South Central Avenue. The four homes are also priced based on the county’s area median income and are being built with the architecture of past homes in Laurel. The project, located at the site of the former Christ United Methodist Church, and where there were homes before the church was there, is being done in partnership with Nally Ventures.
The final destination was Central Station, the site of a former gas station (in the 20s and 30s) which was rebuilt from the foundation up. LRC is on the verge of signing a deal with a potential tenant, which currently has a shop in Seaford.
“We put the money back into the community (from proceeds from other projects) and into projects like this,” said Shannon.
Across the street from Central Station is another former service station. LRC will rent the property to a drive up trailer which will sell organic beverages such as coffee, tea, and lattes as well as energy drinks and plant based drinks. The trailer is expected to open by the end of October.
Two gas tanks were found under Central Station while seven tanks were found under the property across the street. A third property, on another corner at the intersection, currently houses a church. It was also a service station and is owned by LRC.
To learn more about the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation, visit www.laurelredevelopment.com.
