DuPont to sell historic downtown Wilmington hotel [video]

(File)

(File)

DuPont is getting out of the hospitality business, but the company’s historic namesake hotel will remain open in downtown Wilmington.

More than 100 years ago, the Hotel du Pont opened its grand doors in downtown. Now, the historic hotel is getting new ownership. DuPont will sell the hotel to Wilmington developers Buccini/Pollin Group for undesclosed terms. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of February. BPG’s hotel management affiliate PM Hotel Group will operate the hotel.

“We are extremely proud that DuPont has entrusted the Buccini/Pollin Group and PM Hotel Group as stewards of this great hotel,” said BPG’s David Pollin. “We see ownership of the Hotel du Pont as a public trust.”

Over its 103 year history the 217-room has hosted U.S. presidents and other world leaders. It also welcomed world-renowned musicians, artists, athletes and multitudes of business leaders. The hotel’s Green Room restaurant recieved the AAA Four-Diamond Award and the Forbes Four-Star Award.

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The addition of the Hotel du Pont to BPG’s holdings is another sign of its ongoing investment in downtown Wilmington. The company is in the middle of constructing numerous projects in downtown Wilmington, including the major overhaul of what was once a parking garage on Orange St. between 8th and 9th St.

Sale of the hotel had been rumored for years as DuPont reorganized its holdings to focus on core businesses. The future of the hotel was thrown into limbo in late 2015 when DuPont and Dow announced their plans to merge.

The Hotel duPont name will remain attached to the building. “We are very pleased to have found the right owner to ensure a bright future for this historic, world-class hotel and downtown Wilmington landmark,” said DuPont’s Richard Olson.

The company has also announced plans to explore the sale of the DuPont Country Club. Company officials say the focus of that sale will be to make sure the club has a bright future that will provide a greater experience for its members and the Wilmington community.

In 2013 First Experience took a tour of the hotel, past and present.  Enjoy the view.

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