The Committee of 100 | Meeting Notes

The change in the City of Wilmington in the last few years has been nothing short of stunning. While the national and Delaware economies have faltered, the face of Wilmington has continued to change, and the signs of economic development in the City are evident.

It wasn't that long ago that you couldn't even see the Christiana River. Now you can walk along it on a beautiful Riverwalk and pass newly-built or renovated places to work, shop, eat, meet, dance, watch a play, take in a concert, or peruse Delaware's finest art.

It wasn't that long ago that you couldn't find a place to live in downtown Wilmington. Now there is the Nemours Building, coming are Residences at Rodney Square, the Ships Tavern District, and apartments on the Christina.

It wasn't that long ago that you couldn't go to a movie in the City. Now award-winning movies at Theatre N at Nemours are sold out.

Whether it's the Delaware College of Art & Design's success being cemented by the Saville refurbishing, Fusura and Advance Publishing's selection of Wilmington for their new jobs, Zanzibar Blue bringing a new level of Jazz to Center City, or David Bromberg's Violin Shop adding an entirely new dimension, there's a vibrancy in the City. Whether it's the grand, historic design of the new parking garage at the train station, the bold new transit center on Walnut Street, or the streetscape facelifts going on from Delaware Avenue to Walnut Street, the City is becoming more and more attractive and inviting.

The chief cheerleader for what Wilmington can become has been, for years, Jim Baker. He championed residential construction in the CBD when people still laughed. But he was right. He preached beautifying the City when people still scoffed. But he was right. He knew we could expand the arts in Wilmington. He was right. He still believes Wilmington can be the U.S. Paris.

But this gem still has a long ways to go. We must find another source of income; we must fund essential infrastructure improvements; we must attract more economic development; we must enhance the neighborhoods. Jim Baker will tell us what's next.