DOVER, Del.- A standout project on Governors Avenue will likely mark the first step in downtown Dover's eagerly anticipated makeover.
The Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) recently hired a new property redevelopment director, Ken Anderson. His job is to get downtown revitalization projects to move forward.
On Tuesday, Anderson said his goal is to transform the currently vacant building at 120 S Governors Avenue into the tallest building in the downtown district.
According to DDP Executive Director, Diane Laird, the partnership is working to come to an official agreement with developers to build a five story, multi-use property on the site.
"We are in the early stages on finalizing plans with the developer and we anticipate somewhere around $70 million will be invested in this particular project," Laird said.
Anderson explained how this project's groundbreaking has the potential to set the stage for the rest of DDP's $500 million revitalization master plan.
"Whatever we do that will lead to what we call 'moving the dirt' at 120 South Governors Avenue, we believe we can duplicate that for the other sites that are part of the plan," he said. "It is critical that we get this part right."
The project would also require an audit of Dover's roads, water systems and power supplies.
"The infrastructure of downtown Dover is going to have to be addressed to support the building and the residential units just at this one site," Anderson noted.
DDP is also working on a few transportation and art related projects this month, including crosswalk painting on Loockerman Street.