It's the Season of Giving. Support Downtown Visions’ Mission this Giving Tuesday.

Downtown Visions works to show the world what an amazing place Downtown Wilmington, Delaware is every day, while fulfilling its mission to create, manage, and promote a quality environment for people who live, work, and visit. During this unprecedented year, Downtown Visions remained committed to the Downtown Wilmington DE community and increased efforts to help small business owners get back to business. Downtown Visions’ Cleaning and Safety Ambassadors are essential to the district and continued working 7 days a week from 6AM to 12AM throughout the pandemic. Downtown Visions implemented new programming to encourage patrons to visit Downtown and supported small businesses, with such initiatives as Curbside Wilmington, Free Shipping and the Dine Downtown Deal. We plan to continue our mission, but we need your help to maintain our growing community now more than ever before. Please consider donating to Downtown Visions this #GivingTuesday and support our efforts to preserve, progress, and promote Downtown Wilmington!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Donations can also be mailed to Downtown Visions, PO BOX 2000, Wilmington, DE 19899. Downtown Visions is a 501 C (3) non-profit #51-0362299. All contributions are completely tax-deductible and qualify for community reinvestment. Your contribution will assist in the restoration and improvement of Downtown buildings through our many initiatives. By supporting our Main Street Program, you’ll provide grants to new and existing businesses within the Business Improvement District, and fund community events throughout the year. We thank you in advance for your generosity this giving season! Contact us for more ways to support Downtown Wilmington DE and contribute to our community projects.

Signs of Progress in Downtown Wilmington DE

Downtown Wilmington DE has seen a lot of growth this year. There are changes happening throughout the Downtown, including new construction and the opening of small businesses. Although there have been challenging times for our business community, we continue to persevere and bring innovative initiatives to support the Downtown like Curbside Wilmington and our Free Shipping program that is now offering free shipping with participating Downtown retailers.

Please continue to support our local businesses by dining Downtown, shopping in-store or online with free shipping, buying gift cards and continuing to use services provided by our small businesses. When you shop small you’re not just supporting your neighborhood favorites - you’re investing in your community.

New Openings

AMITY BISTRO | 231 N MARKET ST

Open now in the LOMA area, Amity Bistro started with the simple idea of bringing the best food and entertainment. From their founder to the front-line workers, they put lots of love and careful thought into all they do.

ARTZSCAPE | 223 N MARKET ST

ArtzScape now has a second location on Market Street to bring you more events happening Downtown. They offer an innovative performance and event space for those that prefer an intimate setting. ArtzScape is black owned and operated, providing artistic events, shop small days, private functions, conferences and more.

CIRCA 7 | 205 W 14th ST

Clothing focused on mental health and living perfect moments. Spreading mental health awareness through art, fashion, and community events. Shop Small with Circa 7 online and receive free shipping through December 31st or check out their new shop and remember #theworldneedsyou.

DE SLIDERS CO. | 204 W 10th ST

DE Slider Co. is a unique approach to your classic favorite burger joint. Offering a mouthwatering array of sliders and delicious sides. Their recipes are specially curated, everything is made from scratch and the ingredients are locally sourced. Great food brings people together, and that is the whole mission that has brought DE Slider Co. to life.

Freakishly awesome | 825 N Tatnall ST

A barber shop unlike any other offering top notch service , custom designs, a creative art space and clothing. It’s just a vibe so check them out and live Freakishly Awesome!

Humble fabrics | 306 N shipley st

Looking for material to make a new outfit or trim to embellish your favorite garment? Humble Fabrics is open 7 days a week and specializes in high-quality fabrics and trims . Schedule your fitting with their in-store seamstresses for alterations or custom pieces today.

NAIL’D BY LONDON | 231 n market ST

More than just a nail studio, this creative space for self-care and tranquility allows every customer to experience top-notch treatment. Whether you are interested in a classic look or unique designs, Nail’d by Londyn offers exquisite ambiance & unmatched customer service.

Reopenings

GIRARD Craft and Cork | 224 W 9TH ST

Girard Craft & Cork is back! Stop by their new storefront on 9th Street to shop this one-stop spirits destination built for those with a taste for finer things, a love for local treasures and a strong sense of community.

THE GRAND | 818 n Market ST

We couldn’t be happier to have The Grand open! After closing their doors during the pandemic they are back and better than ever with concerts, comedy shows, live entertainment and more! The Grand is a celebrating 150 years this December as one of the region’s premier performing arts presenters. It sounds like the perfect time to buy show tickets for you or as the perfect holiday gift.

Downtown Visions Announces New Leadership Team as Nonprofit Evolves to Meet Downtown Wilmington’s Changing Needs

Twenty-seven-year-old organization’s clean and safe initiatives remain front and center, as small business involvement ramps up. 

Downtown Visions, a private non-profit organization that strives to keep Downtown Wilmington clean, safe and attractive for its residents, employees and visitors— announced the creation of a new leadership team to support its evolving mission. After a nationwide search, Michael Maggitti has been selected as the organization’s Executive Director, replacing outgoing executive director Martin Hageman, who has been with Downtown Visions since its formation in 1994. Loshawn Maxwell has been promoted to Senior Director of Finance & Administration, and Norman Pernick has been appointed to the newly created position of Senior Advisor. The three of them will comprise the organization’s Senior Leadership Team. 

Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, Downtown Visions was created to manage Wilmington’s Downtown Business Improvement District (WDBID), an area that has grown to encompass more than 70 square blocks containing 700 commercial buildings and some 550 street-level independent businesses. Clean and Safe initiatives have always been and will always be at the heart of Downtown Visions’ mission; DTV’s uniformed Cleaning and Safety Ambassadors are on the street year-round, seven days a week. The Cleaning Ambassadors pick up litter, empty trash receptacles, remove graffiti, power-wash sidewalks and clean up leaves and weeds. The Safety Ambassadors work in tandem with the Wilmington Police Department to keep Downtown safe by providing high-visibility patrols on foot and bike as well as safety escorts and property checks. In addition, Main Street Wilmington is a vital part of Downtown Visions’ initiative to promote the economic health and sustainability of Downtown Wilmington. Main Street Wilmington follows a nationally recognized framework for community-driven revitalization. Main Street Wilmington transforms ideas into action for a better Downtown and fosters a spirit of community teamwork to strengthen, revitalize and broaden Downtown Wilmington’s economic base. 

“Since Downtown Visions was established 27 years ago, Downtown Wilmington has undergone countless changes — the most significant being its evolution from a strictly-business district to a residential and business district,” said Adam Landis, Chairman of the Board of Downtown Visions. “Marty Hageman has proven to be a consummate pro, leading Downtown Visions by staying nimble and helping to establish Downtown Wilmington as a vibrant place to work, live and play. What sets our Business District apart from others is the active role our small businesses play in maintaining and growing this thriving community. Downtown Visions plays a key role as a partner to downtown businesses. We thank Marty for his incredible 27-year tenure as Executive Director and look forward to Mike building on Marty’s work with Loshawn and Norm rounding out his management team.” 

Maggitti has been with Downtown Visions since 2007, most recently as Deputy Executive Director. Over the past 14 years, he has also served as Director of Operations and Director of Safety. Prior to joining Downtown Visions, Maggitti spent 25 years as a Wilmington police officer, retiring at the rank of Captain. Maggitti earned a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware. 

Like Hageman, Maxwell has been a part of Downtown Visions since its inception, having joined its founding organization, Wilmington 2000, in 1994. Over the past 27 years, Maxwell has held the positions of Director of Administration, Office Manager and Office Assistant. In her new position, she will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Downtown Visions’ financial, administrative and human resource matters. Maxwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Goldey-Beacom College. 

Pernick, an attorney and founding member of the Wilmington office of Cole Schotz, P.C., has been a board member of Downtown Visions since its inception in 1994 and served as its Board Chair from 2010 to 2019. He is also a founding member of the Main Street Wilmington program, serving as its first Board Chair from 2006 to 2014 and a member of its board since 2006. Pernick will focus his efforts on strategic planning, personnel development and external relationships. 

About Downtown Visions 

Downtown Visions is a registered 501 C (3) nonprofit that manages the Downtown Wilmington Business Improvement District. Its mission is to create, manage and promote a quality environment for people who live, work and visit Downtown Wilmington. This is accomplished by collaborating with the public and private sector entities in neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, through clean and safe initiatives, small business development, retail recruitment and retention, job creation and economic development. Downtown Visions also runs the Downtown Wilmington Main Street® program, receiving grants to fund community development programs. 

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Wilmington Fire Department

Downtown Visions and the Downtown Wilmington DE community are proud to support the Wilmington Fire Department as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary.

There are several events happening throughout the City to honor these brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our communities everyday. This weekend you can visit all City Firehouses between 10am-4pm for an open house experience. On Thursday, October 14th from 5-9pm in the 800 block of Market Street come Downtown for some family friendly fun during Curbside Wilmington WFD Happy Hour. There will be 2 bands, Bickel Brothers and Calle Bere and The Attitude performing live, photo booth, free treats and crafts for the kids, Rocky Bluewinkle mascot, commemorative WFD pint glasses for the first 250 attendees and amazing food & drink specials.

Downtown Food & Drink Specials: *Offers valid on both dates, 10/14 & 10/23 unless specified.

• Chelsea Tavern – First Responders get 20% off your entire bill with valid work ID

• Stitch House Brewery - All First Responders receive 15% off of food with valid ID 

• Jimmy John’s – 20% off for first responders on orders in-store at the Market Street location. Must show valid work ID. 

• Cavanaugh’s – 25% off sandwiches, salads or entrees for WFD with valid ID (valid 10/14 only *during regular business hours 11am-3pm)

• Makers Alley – 20% off the entire bill for first responders with a valid ID. (valid 10/14 from 6pm-9pm and 10/23 from 3pm to close)

• DECO Food Hall – 20% off at the bar for first responders with valid ID. Plus enjoy specialty cocktails.

• Spaceboy Clothing – 10% off with valid WFD ID 

• LaFate Gallery – 50% off double matted limited edition prints for WFD with valid ID

On Saturday, October 23rd there will be a parade on King Street starting at 10am and afterwards you can head over to the Wilmington Riverfront for an antique apparatus display & firematic flea market and water fire/rescue boat display from noon to 4:00 PM. Then on Sunday join the Fire Department at Saint Elizabeth’s Church on Broom Street for a fire fighter memorial service at 3:00 PM. It’s going to be a great month of celebrations as we honor the Wilmington Fire Department. It all comes to a fabulous end on November 30th for the centennial banquet at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. This is a private, ticketed event but we bet it’s going to be one heck of a party!

Every Small Purchase Makes a Big Difference

Downtown Visions is excited to announce the return of our FREE SHIPPING program to support our small businesses! When you shop online with one of your favorite Downtown retailers this holiday season you will receive free shipping courtesy of Downtown Visions. It’s as simple as that! Shop between 10/1/21 and 12/31/21 and Downtown Visions will cover the cost of the shipping for both you and the retailer. 

Participating Downtown Retailers:
Al’s Sporting Goods
Circa7
LaFate Gallery
Morgan’s of Delaware
Poppycock Tattoo
Spaceboy Clothing
Town & Shore Handcrafted

 Shop Small today and everyday!