June 2025 the target for several marquee tenants in Nylon Capital makeover

SEAFORD — By summer of 2025, several marquee tenants could be open for business in the Seaford innovation Center, the projected $60 million revitalization of the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center.

That is the timeline laid out by Rob Herrera, the development catalyst of the Wilmington-based 9th Street Development Company in a status update at the July 23 city council meeting.

Core and shell work is slated to begin this October for Delaware Technical Community College and Tidal Health, with The Mill expected to begin in late December.

Mr. Herrera said Del Tech “has signed their long-term lease with us and are committed to the site. We’re very excited about that. They are bringing two uses to the site. Health care use and a welding lab. We’re still reaching out for feedback on programming.”

All three components are tentatively projected to be completed by June of next year.

Developers are banking on first tenant bragging rights going to Community Bank Delaware. The demolition of a former bank and other former retail buildings has paved the way for Community Bank Delaware to be located next to the existing Dollar Tree, one of several entities that will remain.

“Community Bank Delaware has committed to the site, signed the lease and they will be our first tenant,” said Mr. Herrera. “Our goal is to have Community Bank (Delaware) in before the end of the year.”

“We’re trying really hard,” said Community Bank Delaware President Jack Riddle.

Community Bank Delaware currently has branches in Lewes and Rehoboth, with plans for another branch in Millsboro.

“This (Seaford location) is going to be our third,” Mr. Riddle said.

In his update, Mr. Herrera said over the entire 22-acre campus, half of the buildings have finished construction documentation.

Next to Del Tech on the back or northern edge of the campus will be Bright Bloom, a therapy center for young children with autism.

The Mill, which will replicate an innovative co-working initiative in Wilmington, will be in the back closest to Atlanta Road.

Tidal Health has signed a long-term lease, and plans include a canopy covered outdoor physical therapy area, thus providing indoor and outdoor therapy, Mr. Herrera said.

Vanderwende Farm Creamery is also committed to site, and should be in fairly quickly in the early phases of the retail portion of the project, Mr. Herrera said.

Dollar Tree, Sal’s Restaurant and Rite Aid will remain, with some minor face upgrades to mesh with the overall campus theme. The Chinese restaurant next to Sal’s has a month-to-month lease. “We’re still unsure if they will be there long term,” said Mr. Herrera.

A large amount of green space will offer pickleball courts and walking trails.

Mr. Herrera said they are in discussion with a restaurateur, as well as several operators to resurrect the former bowling center in the Nylon Capital Shopping Center.

“We’ve also heard a lot of requests for grocers and other uses that have taken very seriously,” said Mr. Herrera. “Since the demolition started, we’ve had a lot of feedback and a lot of interest from some exciting, potential tenants. So, hopefully there is more to come.”