RESTORING CENTRAL DOVER

Location

Dover, DE
Client

NCALL Research
Collaborators

V Lamar Wilson Associates
Status

Completed November 2014
Project Type

Community engagement, Downtown, Neighborhood plan

Our Vision for Vitality

Completed in Fall 2014, Restoring Central Dover is a comprehensive neighborhood plan and collaborative effort for neighborhood revitalization spearheaded by NCALL and a Steering Committee comprised of community and city representatives. Interface Studio led a year-long planning and public outreach process in collaboration with V Lamar Wilson Associates to formalize and prioritize implementation-driven strategies focusing on improving or expanding community building and safety, social services, affordable housing, commercial development, and transportation within the next five years.

Within a year of its completion, the Restoring Central Dover plan played a central role in leveraging $1.35 million in implementation resources from the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation and the Strong Neighborhood Housing Fund to support implementation of the plan’s initiatives. The plan has also helped shape policy decisions and resource allocation--a prime example being the State of Delaware’s designation of the Central Dover area as one of three Downtown Development Districts, which has supported affordable housing development in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in target infill areas identified by the plan.

Plan branding developed by Interface continues to be used in conunction with ongoing implementation efforts.

A cluster analysis of vacant properties led to identification of infill development opportunity sites now being targeted in the implementation phase.
The generous right-of-way width of Forest Street/Route 8 allows for opportunities to install separated bicycle infrastructure that would both improve bikeability and elevate the image and perception of this main gateway into Central Dover.
An approach to improving perception and high vacancy rates along Loockerman, Central Dover's historic main street, included temporary storefront installations, pop-up retail, and business incubator space.
Given the many challenges faced by Central Dover families, Our Vision for Vitality focused on expanding services and housing opportunity to meet the needs of the community.

Extensive public outreach and community engagement efforts initiated as a part of the planning process continue in the form of the Resident Engagement Work Group, which builds community capital, strengthens community cohesion, and supports overall plan implementation. The Work Group allows residents to take the lead to start resident-driven civic groups and implement community building projects.