WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki announced his commitment to the restoration and beautification of the iconic Gibraltar property. Located on the city’s western edge, this six-acre estate is one of Wilmington’s most significant properties and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mayor Purzycki expressed his intent to make the property accessible for public enjoyment for generations to come. He highlighted that the preservation of Gibraltar aligns with the vision of former Mayor James Baker, who was also a staunch advocate for the protection of the city’s historic sites.
“For too long, well-intended neighbors and other interested parties have not been able to see eye-to-eye on what to do with this property, but everyone seems to agree on one thing—Gibraltar should not be allowed to further deteriorate,” said Mayor Purzycki.
The mayor underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that after decades of neglect, Gibraltar is at a crossroads. The choice is clear—either commit to its preservation or watch it decay beyond salvation.
Mayor Purzycki revealed that he recently negotiated the purchase of the property for $900,000, an amount he described as a bargain. The deal involved transferring a city street bed to the former owners of the estate, Gibraltar Preservation Group, LLC. In a bid to facilitate development and improvements, the property was transferred to the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Landbank.
Funding for the purchase was provided by the Delaware General Assembly, demonstrating their support for the preservation of this historic property. The mayor expressed his gratitude toward the State Legislature for their backing in this initiative.
While there are no definitive plans for the property yet, Mayor Purzycki assured that there would be opportunities to discuss potential uses with council members, neighbors, and other stakeholders. Prior to the settlement, the city was granted access to the property to improve the grounds and make physical improvements to the mansion and outbuildings. To date, the city has spent $250,146 on these enhancements.
The preservation of the Gibraltar property is not just about saving a historic site—it’s about restoring a piece of Wilmington’s cultural heritage and giving it a new life and purpose. As the restoration progresses, the Gibraltar property promises to be a shining testament to the city’s commitment to its history and its future.
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