Plans are underway for the reconstruction of a 115-year-old Wilmington community center. A groundbreaking on Monday at the Peoples Settlement Association drew current and former community center participants — including elected officials, nonprofit representatives and civic leaders. The turnout reflected the influential role the Peoples Settlement Association has played in the city's history, serving as a hub for community engagement and personal development.
Founded on the city's East Side near Old Swedes in 1901, the Peoples Settlement Association was established to support newly arrived European immigrants and working-class families.
Records from New Castle County show the existing 1,350 square-foot two-story building located at 408 E. Eighth St. was built in 1920 with a newer wing added during the Sills administration. The redesigned building will be modernized to include upgraded facilities and equipped with elevators, classrooms and a gymnasium.
The renovations are funded by a $12 million allocation in this year's bond bill, a statement from state Sen. Darius Brown said. Elected officials said funding for the center is part of a larger plan to reinvest in the beleaguered community.
A 'full circle moment'
The ceremony featured remarks from former and current leaders of the association, as well as political leaders including Gov. John Carney, Mayor Micheal Purzycki and former Mayor Jim H. Sills Jr., and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. Many distinguished guests shared nostalgic anecdotes of their youth, reminiscing about participating in activities at the community center or launching their careers in leadership there.
Brown, who has deep roots in the East Side neighborhood, advocated for funding to renovate the community center. Over the years, the center and the surrounding neighborhood have suffered from disinvestment and neglect. Many people stopped attending its programs. Brown stated that one of his priorities as a senator was to restore the community center to its former status as a cornerstone.
He was joined by legislative colleague Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, who also grew up in the neighborhood and participated in activities as an East Side resident. Rochester attended the event and recalled the many hours she spent at the community center, where her late father, Ted Blunt, began his leadership career in Wilmington. They all emphasized how instrumental the Peoples Settlement Association was in their lives and the importance of providing younger generations with the same opportunities and support.
Tiana Sanders represents one of the newest generations who have reaped the rewards of the community center's programs. Raised on the East Side, she went to Bancroft Elementary and engaged in after-school programs and summer camps at the Peoples Settlement Association. This involvement connected her with the community and led to her career in dance, which began at the Christina Cultural Arts Center when she was 5 years old.
Today, Sanders is a hip-hop dance instructor at Christina Cultural Arts Center. Reflecting on her journey, Sanders describes it as "a full circle moment."
"Being able to have my students come and perform where I grew up, and giving them a chance to perform and giving them a chance to show their professionalism, shows them that dance can take you a lot of places," Sanders said.
The renovation of the Peoples Settlement Association follows recent investments in the neighborhood including $84 million to construct the newly named Maurice Pritchett, Sr. Academy, scheduled to open this fall. Pritchett, a beloved principal of Bancroft Elementary, has a strong legacy in the neighborhood. Both schools are located across the street from the Peoples Settlement Association.
You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
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