The Capital Project
A $2.8 million transformation
Five properties transferred
Mayor Mike Purzycki's administration transferred ownership of five properties - including historic buildings that once belonged to the New Castle Leather Company and the Allied Kid Company - to the African American Heritage Center of Delaware. The community-based group plans to preserve and adapt these buildings to commemorate and present African American history and heritage.
- 1039 Clifford Brown Walk
- 1043 Clifford Brown Walk
- 314 East 11th Street
- 316 East 11th Street
- 318 East 11th Street
"Today is a great day, and I hope this is the first day of something very special." - Mayor Mike Purzycki
A landmark reborn as the Institute
The most recognizable property - formerly at 11th and Poplar streets - served as the main office building for two world-renowned leather companies from 1917 until 1977. The three-story stucco brick building in the Spanish Colonial Mission Revival style was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
AAHI will redevelop the former Allied Kid Building - to be known as the African American Heritage Institute - to comprehensively deliver its onsite programs and services. A Certificate Program in Oral History will promote stronger integrated content across social studies, language and performing arts, and journalism, delivered in a hybrid curriculum onsite and virtually.
Built to serve for generations
ADA Accessible
Full accessibility across every floor and program space.
High Speed WiFi
Infrastructure built for hybrid, high-tech program delivery.
Energy Efficient
Modern systems that lower operating costs for decades.
Sustainable Design
Preservation-first materials and responsible construction.
Modern Infrastructure
Updated mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems.
The Workshop
The rowhouse at 1039 Clifford Brown Walk is undergoing a major capital renovation - including WiFi upgrades for 21st-century technology and improvements to be ADA compliant. The newly renovated Workshop houses AAHI program delivery of educational and cultural-based, high-tech, high-touch services to youth and Eastside residents, and to those joining online across the county, state, and country.
- Current AAHI programming and youth engagement
- Hybrid onsite and virtual meetings
- Community engagement and neighborhood planning
- Oral history discussions and interview sessions
- Planning sessions with Eastside partners
- Interim headquarters during construction at 1043
- Capital improvements: ADA access, WiFi, modern systems
The road to 2028
- Complete 1039 Clifford Brown Walk
- Begin work at 1043 Clifford Brown Walk
- 15 oral histories recorded
- Launch pilot community meetings
- Continue construction at 1043
- Pilot the Certificate Program
- 20 additional oral histories
- Expand community engagement
- Grand opening of the Heritage Institute
- 50 oral histories archived
- Certificate Program fully launched
- 20 annual program participants
The Oral History Institute
A certificate program that trains community members to capture, preserve, and share Delaware's African American story in their own voices - with a target of 10 graduates every year.
Looking Beyond the Buildings
AAHI's long-term vision is to anchor a future African American Heritage District on Wilmington's East Side - connecting landmarks, stories, and neighbors along a single walkable corridor.
Clifford Brown House
The birthplace of the legendary jazz trumpeter whose name marks the walk.
Redding House
Home of the Redding family, whose legal and literary legacy shaped Delaware.
Heritage Institute
The restored Allied Kid Building - the district's museum and program anchor.
Conceptual district illustration - final planning underway with community partners.
Support the Mission
Your gift restores a landmark and preserves a story. Join the campaign today.