Introducing the Willing Street Artist Village, Wilmington’s new Creative District

Next month, Wilmington will see $1.7 million in construction begin in the city’s historic Quaker Hill District. The reason: the city is getting a long-awaited new Creative District.
Dubbed the “Willing Street Artist Village,” the new district’s borders will be Shipley and Washington Streets and Fourth and Ninth Streets. Renovation will begin with the reconstruction of six vacant homes into 10 affordable condos and artists’ studios.
The project is being spearheaded by Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware.
According to a report from the Delaware Business Times, the project’s objective is to “extend the momentum of the LOMA district, and focus on creators — artists, writers, musicians, tech innovators, makers and manufacturers.”
How? Affordability.
Affordable homes will be a major draw for the area, says the district’s managing director Carrie Gray.
“The fact that we are getting our first 10 units out of the ground and that we’re rehabbing these buildings and bringing them back to life is really going to not only transform the neighborhood, but provide the anchor presence in the neighborhood of artists that’s really going to make a difference,” Gray told Delaware Public Media.
Gary Pollio, Executive Director of Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, told WDEL the renovated district will boost the local economy by creating jobs and revenue for the city.
“Converting vacant properties that are non-revenue generating properties into revenue-generating properties is something that we always like to be part of,” he said.
Housing is expected to be available next summer.

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