Delaware College of Art plans downtown renovation

Officials at the Delaware College of Art and Design have announced plans to renovate the second floor of the school’s historic Market Street building in Wilmington.

The News Journal reports several nonprofits have pledged the money needed to renovate the 7,000-square-foot space. It is the final floor to be restored in the former Delmarva Power and Light building since work began in the 1990s.

The college has grown to have a bigger presence downtown. Its enrollment has grown to nearly 250 students, up from the first class of 50 students who were mostly commuters. Now most students live in downtown dorms.

The renovation project will give the school about 14 percent more space. Officials say the school also needs more studio space and will look to other downtown buildings.