The Capital Project
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
1043 Clifford Brown Walk — a landmark reborn
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.
It will be redeveloped as the African American Heritage Institute — a comprehensive home for onsite programs, exhibits, and hybrid certificate coursework across oral history, social studies, language, performing arts, and journalism.
