Bowling, jobs, community resources teased for redeveloped Nylon Capital shopping center
SEAFORD, Del. – Redevelopment efforts at the Nylon Capital shopping center are progressing.
Project Progressing
“This particular property is that every day reminder of what Seaford once was when Dupont was here. And, I think, seeing this change, seeing this rebirth creates a whole rebirth for our community, and new excitement,” said Trisha Newcomer, the city’s Director of Economic Development & Community Relations. “We have a lot of new residents that only know this shopping center as this. And, for them to be able to see Seaford in a rebirth, is even more exciting.”
Newcomer says the combination of entertainment, retail, and resources will “make a statement to the community.”
“I think the community, for so long, has wanted to see this change,” she said. “And, we’re going to see that.”
Behind the Scenes
While that work isn’t visible just yet, developers and city leaders say the behind the scenes efforts are gaining momentum. Developers say the entitlement process has to play out; meaning meetings with agencies like DelDOT, and picking up on environmental stewardship.
“We’ve had sit-down meetings with them about our [road] entries, and any changes that need to happen there. We’ve started conversations [about] the power lines, and how we’re going to bury them underground, hopefully,” said developer Robert Herrera in a YouTube video in partnership with the city. “We found a significant amount of asbestos, there are underground oil tanks. All of that work has been started. We’re beginning the process of getting a full remediation plan done.”
Site Plans
9th Street Development Company, co-founded by Herrera, is leading the project. Connecting both ends of the property with a new boulevard is one of the big parts of their vision.
“The hope is, we’re going to create a brand new boulevard that carries you toward the back of the site,” said Herrera. “That doesn’t get as much use, and doesn’t have as much frontage. We’re hoping to change that.”
Delaware Technical Community College has already agreed to open up a workforce development center onsite. Additionally, there will be access to health care, and early childhood education.
“Del Tech is going to bring some programming, along with a few other institutions that we’re working with right now. And, there will be a health care facility in the back, as well, which we’re making progress on,” said Herrera. “We did a test fit of having over 100 students [at the motessori]. And, right next to that, will be Bright Bloom, and organization that treats children with autism.”
Bringing Back Bowling
As those plans line up, so are the bowling pins at Seaford Bowling Lanes. Developers saying the abandoned bowling alley in surprisingly good condition. If work goes according to plan, the bowling alley will reopen within a year, says Herrera.
“We need to upgrade the infrastructure a little bit,” said Herrera. “The idea is to modernize the bowling alley, bring it into the 21st century, maybe add some amenities to it. We’re open to ideas. We’ve talked to three or four operators, and we’re opening the conversation.”
Looking Ahead
Demolition is expected to begin by the end of 2023. Newcomer says once the current parts of the project are complete, developers will continue their work with planning and zoning.
