Will rehab for rent in New Castle County

You could live or work in a historic building rent free in New Castle County, if you’re willing to make at least $150,000 in improvements.

You could live in a historic building rent free in New Castle County, if you’re willing to make at least $150,000 in improvements.

New Castle County is launching a Resident Curatorship Program.  It offers individuals and entities the chance to  preserve and maintain vacant County-owned historic buildings in exchange for a long-term, rent-free lease.

“Through this program, New Castle County can partner with private residents to bring our historic buildings back to life at no cost to taxpayers,” New Castle County Executive Chris Coons said.

The list of five available properties includes “Talley Day House” on Foulk Road, built in 1847, and  the “Ivyside Farmhouse” on Naamans Road which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is a bidding process and the proposals will be judged by a committee that will consider the planned use of the building,  as well as the applicant’s ability to pay for the restoration.

While a  proposal must include at least $150,000 worth of improvements, some of the available properties may require a significantly greater investment.

The Curatorship Committee will host an open house for each individual property over the next several weeks.