WELCOME
Welcome to Historic Downtown Dover
We drive business and job opportunities, growth of economic and cultural assets & development of commercial and residential real estate, while preserving our historic qualities.
- Our Mission & Values
- Organizational Structure
- Partnership Board & Staff
- Planning Committees
- 2020 Annual Report
OUR HISTORY
Historically Happening in Dover
Dover was founded as the court town for newly established Kent County in 1683 by William Penn, the proprietor of the territory generally known as the "Lower Counties on the Delaware."
- Downtown Dover History
VISIT DOWNTOWN
What is the Capital Key?
A program of the Downtown Dover Partnership Merchant Committee whereby residents, shoppers, visitors and friends of downtown can access value, savings, and special offers from participating downtown merchants. There is no cost to participate!
- Save Downtown with The Capital Key
- Arts
- Banks
- Bed & Breakfast
- Meeting Venue
- Personal Services
- Restaurants & Taverns
- Retail Stores
- Museums
- Parks
- Public Buildings
- Parking Downtown
- Download Map & Complete Listing - PDF
DOING BUSINESS HERE
Opening Your Own Business?
New business start-ups can happen easier and faster in Dover. Why? Every place you need to register and license your business is practically within walking distance of downtown.
- Top Ten Reasons
- How the DDP Works for You
- Incentives
- 2020 Annual Report
- Download Development Boundary Map
- Partners & Resources
EVENTS CALENDAR
It's Historically Happening Downtown
Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all our events or call us at 302-678-2940.
- Holiday Pop-Up Marketplace
- First Saturday
- Busking Program
- Paint Dover
- Window Contest
CONTACT US
Downtown Dover Partnership
101 West Loockerman Street, Suite 1A
Dover, DE 19904

Phone: 302-678-2940
- Contact Information
- info@downtowndover.com

Window Contest

The themes for the Downtown Dover Window Contests are selected by the DDP Merchant Committee and occur every other month. The goal of the window contests is to beautify the downtown district, to make strolling the area more enjoyable, to invite shoppers into stores, and to have the most beautiful downtown store windows in the region. The winning merchant receives $100 and a trophy that travels from store to store after each win.

CURRENT CONTEST

"Thee" First Downtown - an ode to Downtown Dover's heritage, history, and our culture and community.
Eligible Storefronts
- Parke Green Galleries (331 S State St)
- My Roots (9 W Loockerman St)
- Agape Body Piercings (135 S Bradford St)
- Forney's Too (102 W Loockerman St)
- Tina's Timless Threads (111 W Loockerman St)
- Creative Vision (146 S Govenors Ave)
Judges
- Representatives at First State Heritage Park: Nicole Worthley, Rachel Sheffield and Breanna Pierce
- City of Dover Representative: Kay Sass

UPCOMING CONTESTS

Celebrate America: Starts June 10, 2022
"Picture That!", showcasing photography of Dover and from local artists: Starts August 1, 2022
Arts & Harvest: Starts October 1, 2022
Holiday Theme TBD: Starts December 1, 2022

PREVIOUS CONTESTS

Love Local: Started February 1, 2022
- Winner: Creative Vision, 146 S Govenors Ave
- Read more in the Delaware State News, published March 7, 2022.
- Below pictured in front of the winning window, from left, are Patty Johnson, Ms. Blount-Jackson, Annette Johnson, and fellow judge Nicole Tribbett.

FAQ

Judging occurs the 1st-15th of each month.
We invite community members and corporate teams (3-5 members) to participate as judges for the window contests. Want to participate? Contact Jordan@DowntownDoverPartnership.com
The winner receives $100 and holds on to the First Place Trophy.
Want to enter? Sign up for next month, or sign up to auto-enroll in all upcoming contests by emailing Jordan@DowntownDoverPartnership.com.

Want to stay up to date on Window Contests downtown? Remember the link! Tinyurl.com/DoverWindows