2015 in Wilmington

This has been an amazing year in Downtown Wilmington! We've opened businesses, started schools, welcomed new residents, and enjoyed block parties, festivals, and concerts all over our Downtown Wilmington region.

Here's a look back at the year in images:

And here's a look at the year by the numbers:

2015 by the numbers:

21 - new businesses opened in Downtown Wilmington in 2015

16 - venues where live music, comedy, and improv are performed regularly

57 - events held for entrepreneurs

27,000 - Visitor Guides requested for Wilmington

12 - new tracks or elective areas being offered at the Delaware College of Art & Design

109 - concerts in Wilmington featuring local musicians

198 - new apartment units in four new buildings in Wilmington

65 - live lunchtime concerts

24 - nights of music festivals in Downtown Wilmington

1,982 - people who walked into the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau 

200,000 - approximate number of tickets sold to live performances in Wilmington to shows at The Grand, The Playhouse, World Cafe Live at the Queen, and Delaware Theatre Company

3 - Broadway Bound Musicals developed in Wilmington

11 - block parties in Wilmington

1 - Grand Prix weekend

8.46 Million - viewers who saw Nadjah Nicole perform on The Voice

365 - days in which the men and women who live, work, and play in Wilmington make the city a better place

Like I said - it's been a great year! 

Now, let's make 2016 even better!

Marty

Shopping in Downtown Wilmington

Our friends at Out & About Magazine have published a great piece on shopping in Downtown Wilmington.

Whether you're looking for last minute gifts for the Holidays or something unique and interesting for yourself this season, you're sure to find the perfect clothes, accessories, tools, toys, and more in Downtown Wilmington.

Click Here to check out the complete piece from Out & About.

Marty

Downtown Wilmington - Great Place for Entrepreneurship

Our friends at technical.ly just published findings from DataFox naming Wilmington as the fifth best city for Start Ups.

Technical.ly mapped Wilmington’s innovation corridor ahead of Delaware Innovation Week.

Here's an excerpt:

DataFox cited the city’s “favorable tax climate combined with access to decision-makers,” in addition to new incubators and coworking spaces, a low cost of living, UD’s Horn Program in Entrepreneurship and proximity to the Northeast Corridor. It also noted availability of mentors and policymakers.

You can read the complete article here - and you can see the report from DataFox here.

I am proud of how Downtown Wilmington is home to so many great Start Ups and entrepreneurs - and I look forward to seeing more in our city in the future!

Marty

Late night train service begins

Good news! Our friends in Philadelphia can now enjoy more of Wilmington's night-life before catching their train back home!

Here's the official announcement from the Delaware Transit Council:

Late Night SEPTA Train Extended To And From Wilmington

 

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 – Beginning Monday, December 14, SEPTA’s last weekday train on the Wilmington/Newark Line will be extended to and from Wilmington. The extended southbound train from Philadelphia will arrive in Wilmington at 12:26 a.m., and the final northbound train will leave Wilmington at 12:48 a.m., both two hours later than the current arrival and departure times.

 

Extending the late night train provides more access to events and entertainment. Riders now have more options to enjoy the night life, both in Wilmington and Philadelphia. And it provides a way home for those working or studying late nights, as well as an opportunity for those seeking service industry jobs.

Click Here for a pdf of the new schedule

I look forward to seeing more of our friends from Philly and the surrounding area joining us for great food, shopping, and entertainment in Downtown Wilmington.

Marty

Thousands are discovering great entertainment Downtown!

I was talking with our friends at The Grand Opera House and The Playhouse on Rodney Square the other day. They tell me that in less than a week, they hosted close to 10,000 people who came to see shows at the two venues.

I'm hearing similar encouraging news from World Cafe Live at the Queen, City Theater Company, and Delaware Theatre Company. I don't think there's much of a question as to why. Each of these organizations are offering exceptional entertainment. In the coming weeks, you can enjoy musicals, dances, comedies, and more.