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Unlock the Block

     
Unlock the Block

Unlock the Block

Downtown Dover

Unlock the Block Launches in Downtown Dover

Unlock the Block encourages economic vitality, facilitates re-development of first-floor commercial properties, and contributes to a vibrant commercial district in downtown Dover by securing owners of retail and professional goods and service businesses that have the capacity to serve/draw local and regional customers alike. T  Targeted applicants are successful, established business owners that wish to expand into "brick and mortar" locations.

The Unlock the Block initiative originated from NCALL’s Restoring Central Dover Economic Development Working Group.  In addition to Downtown Dover Partnership representatives, small business resource partners and sponsors of Unlock the Block include NCALL/Restoring Central Dover, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, City of Dover, the Delaware Division of Small Business, True Access Capital, the Small Business Development Center, Wilmington University, and private small business consultants.

Please complete the Expression of Interest (button at left) if you would like to be contacted when new downtown Dover commercial properties become available within this program.

1 West Loockerman St

1 West Loockerman St

Downtown Dover

Downtown location: 6,000 sq/ft landmark property located corner of State & Loockerman Streets in Downtown Dover. Commercial kitchen, bar area, and separate area for private dining currently exist. Space demised for two tenants with separate entries is a consideration.

Dover’s vibrant downtown vision includes sidewalk cafes, boutique shopping, healthy lifestyle retail, and gourmet foods and wine, all while serving the local community, a significant college market, and heritage tourism visitors. Enjoy street fairs and seasonal events, live entertainment, unique dining opportunities, small business opportunities, and the historic National Park site immediately adjacent to the downtown business district. “Neighbor” with other entrepreneurs and professionals and join many new, trendy, quality businesses in Downtown Dover – including The Loocke, Duck Creek Printing, Sweets & Treats, Puffster’s, My Roots, House of Coffi, and more. The City of Dover is Delaware’s capital and the second largest city in the First State. It is home to Dover Air Force Base, four colleges, Bayhealth hospital, many significant historical landmarks and cultural attractions, as well as a diverse and interesting central business district. Beautifully landscaped, downtown Dover also possesses a strong legislative and governmental presence and enjoys Downtown Development District designation whereby incentivized redevelopment is taking place.

The Downtown Dover Partnership supports its downtown merchants, encourages physical improvements, and partners with the City of Dover and a host of other downtown entities to incentivize good development and to promote downtown Dover as the “heart of the community” while creating an entrepreneurial-friendly environment.

155 South Bradford St

155 South Bradford St

Downtown Dover

Downtown location: Two (2) flexible office suites; total 638 sq/ft, located on the 2nd floor above 33 West Restaurant, with 512 sq/ft shared conference room that includes large conference table, executive style chairs, and IT/audio visual equipment in heart of Downtown Dover. Recently renovated, ready for your furniture and move-in! “Neighbor” with other entrepreneurs and professionals on a flexible basis and join many new, trendy, quality businesses in Downtown Dover – including The Loocke, Duck Creek Printing, Sweets & Treats, Puffster’s, My Roots, House of Coffi, and more.

The City of Dover is Delaware’s capital and the second largest city in the First State. It is home to Dover Air Force Base, four colleges, Bayhealth hospital, many significant historical landmarks and cultural attractions, as well as a diverse and interesting central business district. Located in downtown Dover, The Green was most recently honored to become part of the First State National Historical Park. Beautifully landscaped, downtown Dover also possesses a strong legislative and governmental presence, and coupled with the Downtown Development District designation, is poised for increased redevelopment and revitalization as well as growth in the diverse downtown small business mix.

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204 West Loockerman St

204 West Loockerman St

Downtown Dover

Downtown location: Property located adjacent to Bayard Pharmacy on the corner of Loockerman and S. Governors Streets in Downtown Dover and below multiple new, occupied apartment units on floors 2-4 above.

Join many new, trendy, quality businesses in Downtown Dover – including The Loocke, Puffster, My Roots, and downtown’s newest coffee shop, House of Coffi! The City of Dover is Delaware’s capital and the second largest city in the First State. It is home to Dover Air Force Base, four colleges, Bayhealth hospital, many significant historical landmarks and cultural attractions, as well as a diverse and interesting central business district. Located in downtown Dover, The Green was most recently honored to become part of the First State National Historical Park and is one of the most recognizable and best community spaces in the nation. The beautifully landscaped downtown Dover also possesses a strong legislative and governmental presence, and coupled with the Downtown Development District designation, is poised for increased redevelopment and revitalization as well as growth in the diverse downtown business mix.

The Downtown Dover Partnership supports its downtown merchants, encourages physical improvements, and partners with the City of Dover and a host of other downtown entities to incentivize good development and to promote downtown Dover as the “heart of the community” while creating an entrepreneurial-friendly environment.

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33 West Loockerman St

33 West Loockerman St

Downtown Dover

Downtown location:

Restaurant space available for lease.  Immediate, turnkey operation at prime location at the intersection of Loockerman and S. Bradford Streets.  Seeking pub-style with quality crafted sandwiches, local craft beers, piano bar/open-mic; Italian or ethnic eatery; others.  

This restaurant location enjoys a broad audience of legislators, state/office employees, local residents, college affiliates, and hundreds for casual business lunches and entre dinners, and weekend brunch.  Commercial kitchen, bar area, and dining, including equipment and furniture are in place.  Restaurant space could be expanded into an adjoining space to double square footage.  Occupancy (non-COVID) is 80-100.    

Along with well-established gift and apparel shops, join many new, trendy, quality businesses in beautifully landscaped downtown Dover – including high quality vintage style at Tina’s Timeless Threads, SoZo home goods, My Roots Boutique apparel/accessories and unisex styling gallery, Puffsters, La Baguette French Bakery, and House of Coffi. Dover, Delaware’s capital and the second largest city in the First State, is home to Dover Air Force Base, strong state/legislative presence, four colleges, Bayhealth hospital, many significant historical landmarks/cultural attractions, including the historic Green all adjacent to the diverse central business district.

The City of Dover and Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) strongly support downtown merchants with ongoing business retention activities and events.  The DDP coordinates an active merchant-led DDP Merchants Committee, works with the City to encourage physical improvements, partners with a host of other downtown entities to incentivize good development, and promotes downtown Dover as the “heart of the community” while creating an entrepreneurial-friendly environment.  Learn more about downtown Dover: DowntownDoverPartnership.com and CityofDover.com

Approximate interior square footage of space:  4448 (2224 SF finished, unfinished basement 2224 SF)

Lease Rate:  $3,000/mo., Gross

Restaurant equipment/accessories: Exist in space and may be purchased outright at a cost of $80,000 or leased at $2,500 per month, with consideration to own in time.   

Incentives to tenant:

  • Landlord:  Open to negotiation
  • Downtown Dover Partnership:  $2,500 funds to support smooth/immediate opening.  Target June 1, 2021.

Other considerations:

  • Board of health and ABC: allow 6-8 weeks for ABC approval/transfer of alcohol license, state inspections.
  • Outdoor dining and alcohol service can be considered and will require City Planner approval as well as application to ABC.

Contacts:

  • Mike Harrington, Sr. Owner/Broker for lease considerations and to tour space: 302.736.0800
  • Downtown Dover Partnership for information on downtown and lease incentives. 302.678.2940
     

Downtown Map

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Downtown Dover Dollars

Capital City 2030