|
|
|
May 16, 2000
MICHAEL S. PURZYCKI
Executive Director
Riverfront Development Corporation
When Mike Purzycki last spoke to The Committee
of 100, in February 1997, he had been Executive Director of
the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC) for
less than a year. As he shared his vision and plans for the
riverfront development, he noted that while the possibilities
were exciting, the skeptics were many.
Since then, the Amtrak Consolidated National
Operations Center opened in December 1997 on the site of the
former Wilco Plumbing & Heating Supply, bringing over
200 jobs. The Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park opened in July
1998 on the site of a former parking lot and is now host to
City events and festivals. The First USA Riverfront Arts Center
opened in August 1998 as neighbor of the riverfront pioneers,
Frawley Stadium and Kahunaville. The South Madison Street
extension was dedicated in February 1999, setting speed records
for new road construction in Delaware. Phase One of The Shipyard
Shops opened May 1999 with retailers such as L.L. Bean and
Coldwater Creek. Dravo Plaza, flanked by two historic cranes,
was dedicated in June 1999 to commemorate those who built
ships for WWII. Riverwalk Phase One & Two were completed.
In the midst of these key developments, there
have been accomplishments big and small, but cumulative: the
Kalmar Nyckel was launched in September 1997 with a vital
loan from the RDC; acres and acres of polluted land were cleaned
up via RDC development projects; the corrugated blight at
the Amtrak platform was replaced with plexiglass to view the
river and park; the phragmites were burned in the marsh; and
30,000 people attended the Tall Ships Festival Memorial Weekend
1999. Now under construction are the Delaware Center for
the Contemporary Arts; the Berger Buildings-one for a bank,
one for the Riverfront Market; the final phases of the Riverwalk;
and Phase Two of the Shipyard Shops. Upcoming are renovation
of the B & O Ticket Station and the Gates Building and
access to the Wildlife Refuge. What else? Mike will fill us
in. There's good news.
Beverley Baxter
|
