Laurel Redevelopment Corporation Drives Economic Growth in Downtown Laurel, DE

Laurel, DE; January 8, 2025 – The Laurel Redevelopment Corporation (LRC) is proud to announce significant strides in revitalizing downtown Laurel, Delaware, through strategic efforts to attract new commercial businesses. This initiative is part of a broader economic redevelopment plan aimed at transforming the town into a vibrant hub of activity and growth.

A key highlight of the LRC’s efforts is the rehabilitation of older properties, breathing new life into historic buildings. One such property is the former A&K Enterprises building located on Central Avenue, now rebranded as Central Station. This iconic building will soon welcome its new tenant, Davelli’s Bagel Cafe, offering residents and visitors a delightful new dining option. The transformation of Central Station underscores the LRC’s commitment to preserving Laurel’s heritage while fostering economic development.

Jeff Pruitt and Karen Schreiber said, “Expanding Davelli’s to Laurel, our hometown, will open up new opportunities to bring a fresh breakfast & lunch experience to the community, offering a variety of options such as bagels, sandwiches, salads, and more. We are excited for the opportunity to work closely with the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation on this new venture.”

In addition to Central Station, the LRC has successfully cleaned up the vacant Thompson lot, a former brownfields site, paving the way for new business opportunities. Sweet Brew, a specialty coffee business operating out of a food truck, has set up shop on this revitalized lot. This innovative venture not only provides high-quality coffee to the community but also exemplifies the creative use of previously underutilized spaces.

Jenna and Patty Procino, owners/operators of Sweet Brew, expressed appreciation for the chance to bring their business that offers high quality coffee, lattes & energy drinks to Laurel. “Opening Sweet Brew in Laurel has given us the opportunity to not only offer these products, but to bring a smile to each & every customer, whether they live locally or are just passing through!”

The introduction of Davelli’s Bagel Cafe and Sweet Brew brings exciting new food and drink options to Laurel’s residents. These establishments are expected to become popular gathering spots, enhancing the town’s social fabric and providing a boost to the local economy. The LRC’s efforts are creating a ripple effect, encouraging further investment and development in the area.

The creation of new businesses like Davelli’s Bagel Cafe and Sweet Brew is also generating much-needed jobs in Laurel. These ventures are providing employment opportunities for local residents, contributing to the town’s economic stability and growth. The LRC’s initiatives are not only revitalizing physical spaces but also fostering a sense of community and prosperity.


Ed Lewandowski, a Community Development Specialist with Delaware Sea Grant/University of Delaware and an LRC board member stated, “These new commercial establishments are integral to The Ramble, a conceptual plan that reimagines Laurel’s waterfront along the historic Broad Creek. The Ramble aims to create a cohesive and attractive environment that draws both residents and visitors to the area. By integrating new businesses into this vision, the LRC is ensuring that Laurel’s redevelopment is both comprehensive and sustainable.”

The LRC’s efforts are a testament to the power of strategic planning and community collaboration. By focusing on the rehabilitation of older properties and the cleanup of brownfields sites, the LRC is laying the groundwork for a thriving downtown area. The success of Davelli’s Bagel Cafe and Sweet Brew is just the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic period of growth for Laurel. As the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation continues to implement its vision for downtown Laurel, the community can look forward to a future filled with new opportunities and vibrant economic activity. The LRC remains dedicated to its mission of transforming Laurel into a model of small-town revitalization, where history and progress go hand in hand.

For more information about the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation and its initiatives, please contact Brian Shannon, Executive Director, Laurel Redevelopment Corporation at (302) 875- 0601 or visit the website at www.laurelredevelopment.com.

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Laurel Redevelopment Corporation Partners with Nally Ventures, Inc. to Tackle Affordable Housing Crisis in Laurel, DE

Laurel, DE; December 18, 2024 – The Laurel Redevelopment Corporation (LRC), a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the community of Laurel, Delaware, has developed a strategic public/private partnership with Nally Ventures, Inc., a renowned local developer and builder based in Bethany Beach, DE. This collaboration aims to address the pressing affordable housing crisis in Laurel, where nearly 50% of residents are renters, highlighting the urgent need for workforce housing solutions.


The partnership with Nally Ventures, Inc. is a significant step forward in LRC’s mission to provide affordable and sustainable housing options for the community. Nally Ventures, known for their commitment to quality and community-focused development, has brought their expertise to the project, ensuring that the new housing meets the needs of Laurel’s diverse population.


One of the key projects under this partnership is the development of The Promenade, a planned 28-unit, cottage-style subdivision. This project is designed to offer affordable, owner-occupied units that cater to the local workforce, providing much-needed housing options for families and individuals who are essential to the community’s economy. The Promenade is not just a housing project; it is a cornerstone of a larger economic development initiative known as The Ramble, which aims to revitalize downtown Laurel.


The Ramble plan is an ambitious effort to transform downtown Laurel into a vibrant, economically thriving area. By integrating The Promenade into this broader initiative, LRC and Nally Ventures are ensuring that the benefits of affordable housing extend beyond individual residents to the entire community. This holistic approach is expected to attract new businesses, create jobs, and enhance the overall quality of life in Laurel.


To support the development of The Promenade and other similar projects, LRC and Nally Ventures have been exploring a variety of funding mechanisms. These include grant programs and state rebates available through Delaware’s Downtown Development District program. By leveraging these financial resources, the partnership aims to minimize costs and maximize the impact of their efforts, making affordable housing a reality for more residents.


The Downtown Development District program offers significant incentives for projects that contribute to the revitalization of designated areas. By qualifying for these incentives, The Promenade project stands to benefit from reduced development costs, which can be passed on to
residents in the form of lower housing prices. This approach not only makes housing more affordable but also ensures the long-term sustainability of the project.


LRC Executive Director, Brian Shannon, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to work with Nally Ventures on this critical initiative. Their expertise and commitment to community development align perfectly with our goals. Together, we can make a real difference in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Laurel.”


Conor Nally with Nally Ventures added, “The Laurel Redevelopment Corporation has been influential in developing the town of Laurel in the last 30 years. Our team has loved working with the LRC to help them see their vision through bringing affordable homes to the town they call home.”
For more information about The Promenade and other initiatives by the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation, please visit www.reimaginelaurel.net.


Contact: Brian Shannon, Executive Director, Laurel Redevelopment Corporation (302) 875-0601.

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Town sponsoring DDD workshop

If you are a property owner within Laurel’s Downtown Development District, save this date: Tuesday, September 26. The Town of Laurel is sponsoring a DDD Workshop at the Laurel Public Library. The session will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Downtown Development District offers an array of incentives to businesses and homeowners to encourage them to rehabilitate their properties, or build something new on vacant land. The incentives include state grants, property tax abatement, sewer/water impact fee reductions for new hookups, state historic property tax credits, energy efficiency rebates, façade improvement assistance, and more.

“Property owners within Laurel’s Downtown Development District have a great opportunity to fix up their homes and businesses,” said Jamie Smith, Town Manager. “This workshop will provide them with resources on all the available incentives and financing. They will be able to ask questions about their own properties and projects.”

Partners joining the town to explain their programs will include Delaware State Housing Authority (DDD rebates), US Department of Agriculture Rural Development (grants and loans), Energize Delaware (energy efficiency rebates), Historical and Cultural Affairs (historic tax credit), Laurel Redevelopment Corporation (discount on vacant land sales), First State Community Loan Fund (financing), and others.

After the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet one on one to discuss specific projects. Realtors, non-residents and other interested parties also will be welcome.

This workshop will be geared toward smaller projects of $15,000 to $250,000.  The cost is free, and registration will be available soon.

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LRC launches new website

The Laurel Redevelopment Corporation has launched a new website to more effectively feature LRC projects and accomplishments.

This new website, designed by Lee Ann Walling of Cedar Creek Sustainable Planning Services, was designed to be more reader-friendly and visual. It includes photos and descriptions of LRC projects and will post relevant news of coming events and meetings in Laurel. Interested readers can find a detailed history of the LRC’s work in Laurel, biographies of LRC board members, and a listing of the tenants who occupy LRC properties. From time to time, videos will feature LRC tenants and initiatives.

Property owners within Laurel’s Downtown Development District can learn more about the state and local incentives provided to investors in residential and commercial properties.

“We believe this website effectively tells the story of the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation and what it has meant and still signifies for economic development in Laurel,” said Brian Shannon, executive director of the LRC.

Lee Ann Walling is a nationally certified planner who has been working with the town on its Downtown Development District designation and comprehensive plan. She is also a certified web and graphics designer.

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LRC will lead Old Town revitalization

Left to right: Anas Ben Addi, director of Delaware State Housing Authority, Valerie Miller, Milford Housing, Lee Ann Walling, Cedar Creek Planners, Brian Shannon, Laurel Redevelopment Corp, Jamie Smith, Laurel Town Mgr. Jeff Roberts, Laurel Chamber of Commerce, Chris Calio, Laurel Town Council President, Kevin Gilmore, Sussex Habitat for Humanity.

Laurel’s Old Town neighborhood is on the verge of a substantial facelift. Delaware’s Strong Neighborhoods Fund has awarded $500,000 to the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation for the construction of four new homes and the purchase-rehabilitation of six more in the section of town between Central Avenue and Oak Street (east-west) and Market Street and the waterfront (north-south).

The LRC is partnering with the Town of Laurel, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, and Milford Housing Development Corporation on the revitalization project. Habitat already has purchased two of the homes in the neighborhood and has made an offer on a third. The town is contributing a vacant lot it owns at the corner of Market and Oak streets and part of the municipal parking lot along Second Street for the construction of new homes.

NCALL, a nonprofit affordable housing provider and lender based in Dover, is providing a $1 million line of credit to finance the project. The project is within Laurel’s Downtown Development District, so it will be reimbursed by the state for a percentage of construction and rehabilitation costs. Also, because the area is in Laurel’s Historic District, rehabilitation projects will be eligible for Delaware’s Historic Tax Credit.

“With all that leverage, we hope this Strong Neighborhoods project will spur a chain reaction of revitalization efforts in Old Town and throughout downtown Laurel,” said Dr. Barry Morrison, chair of the LRC Board of Directors. “The LRC is proud to be leading this community-development effort.”

The Delaware State Housing Authority received approximately $5.5 million from various financial mortgage settlements to maintain the Strong Neighborhoods Housing Fund (SNHF). The SNHF is set up as a revolving fund to be used for the acquisition, renovation, and sale of vacant, abandoned, foreclosed or blighted property throughout Delaware. The funds are targeted for efforts that:

  • Support community development, and/or
  • Transform neighborhoods that are experiencing blight or other forms of stress, including high crime.

Since 1992, the nonprofit Laurel Redevelopment Corporation has purchased, cleared and redeveloped properties along Laurel’s waterfront. Projects include Abbotts on Broad Creek, the Villas on Broad Creek, and the Pierce Ellis Medical Professional Building.  The LRC also donated or dedicated parklands along the creek, including Janosik Park and Venables Park, either to the town or for public use. Market Square Park along Market Street was once the site of derelict buildings purchased and demolished by the LRC.

 

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