Two new Wilmington Riverfront hotels planned

Two new hotels are planned along the Wilmington Riverfront. (Mark Eichmann/WHYY)

Two new hotels are planned along the Wilmington Riverfront. (Mark Eichmann/WHYY)

Developers expect increased business, tourism and job growth at Wilmington’s Riverfront with the addition of two new large chain hotels to be built in the area.

Development and management company, the Buccini/Pollin Group, announced Monday it has received franchise approval for a 100-room Homewood Suites by Hilton, and is in the process for review of a 200-room Marriott Hotel.

The privately-held company based in Wilmington and Washington, D.C. said construction of the two hotels will create up to 200 jobs for Delawareans.

BPG is the developer and owner of the Westin Hotel Wilmington, also located on the Riverfront.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

“We are very proud of the dynamic growth occurring in Wilmington, and believe that these hotels will be a catalyst for the Riverfront to become one of the premier destination and meeting places on the Eastern Seaboard,” said PM Hotel Group Chairman and BPG Co-Founder Dave Pollin in a statement.

Once the land planning process is complete, BPG said it will work with the city of Wilmington, the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware and other agencies on design and approval.

The city and developers have already made efforts to expand the Riverfront with additions like the Horizon Riverfront Rink, the Penn Cinema IMAX Theater and the Stratosphere Trampoline Park.

Mayor Dennis Williams, D-Wilmington, released a statement following the announcement, saying the new hotels represent the future of the Riverfront as a regional destination.

“By increasing the number of hotel options along the Riverfront it also creates more opportunities for leisure travelers to explore our historic city, nearby restaurants and numerous retail shops,” he said.

“Like the Westin Wilmington, each of the hotels’ proximity to the Chase Center will make the Center more competitive as a destination for larger meeting, conference and convention business. It will also help draw visitors to the various nearby attractions and entertainment options.”

 

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal