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Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware (ICHDE) is proud to announce the completion of three new affordable townhomes in Wilmington’s historic Trinity Vicinity neighborhood. With a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on March 26, 2025, this milestone marks a renewed commitment to affordable homeownership in the heart of the city.

Nestled in the 800 block of West 9th Street, the new homes are just steps from downtown and reflect the red-brick charm and historic character that define Trinity Vicinity. Originally developed in the 19th century, this neighborhood was once home to Wilmington’s working-class families—many of whom worked in the city’s bustling shipyards and factories. The area boasts narrow, tree-lined streets, beautiful Federal- and Italianate-style rowhomes, and a vibrant sense of community that continues to this day.

ICHDE’s new townhomes honor that heritage while offering all the benefits of modern, energy-efficient construction. Each home features a traditional brick façade with shuttered windows that blend seamlessly with neighboring homes. Inside, the residences are spacious and thoughtfully designed: each is two stories, with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, offering ample space for growing families.

The homes also include:

• A private backyard
• Second-floor laundry with washer and dryer
• High-quality kitchen appliances
• Ensuite primary bathrooms in the end units
• Contemporary layouts designed for comfort and function
• Square footage ranges from approximately 1,581 to 1,602 square feet, and all homes offer generous light-filled living areas and practical touches like walk-in showers and open-concept kitchens.

What makes this development especially meaningful is not just the homes themselves, but what they represent: a rare opportunity for moderate-income families to build equity and roots in a thriving urban community.

These homes were made possible by $225,000 in HOME funding from the City of Wilmington, as well as the steadfast support of the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank, the Delaware State Housing Authority, and construction partner C & B General Contractors Inc.

Mayor John Carney, who joined us for the ribbon-cutting, emphasized the broader impact of projects like this: “Homeownership builds wealth and strengthens neighborhoods. Projects like this one, which turn vacant lots into homes people can actually afford, are essential to Wilmington’s future.”

At ICHDE, we are proud to be at the forefront of that future—bringing new life to overlooked lots, opening doors to first-time homebuyers, and ensuring that homeownership remains accessible in every part of our city.

To learn more about purchasing one of these beautiful new homes or to explore ICHDE’s ongoing work across Delaware, please feel free to contact us.

Scroll down for the official media release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
March 24, 2025

Contact: Catherine Davis
Phone: (302) 652-3991 ext. 118
Email: [email protected]

New Affordable Homes Ready for Purchase in Downtown Wilmington 

WILMINGTON, Delaware, March 24, 2025 — Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Inc. (ICHDE) and the City of Wilmington announce the completion of three new single-family townhomes in downtown’s Trinity Vicinity area. Located in the 800 block of W 9th Street, these homes are now ready for sale to eligible buyers, offering a rare opportunity to purchase new construction in downtown Wilmington. The project was made possible with $225,000 from the City of Wilmington’s HOME funding, along with support from the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank and the Delaware State Housing Authority.

“These new homes on 9th Street are bringing much-needed homeownership opportunities to Wilmington’s downtown,” said Darlene Sample, executive director at ICHDE. “It’s unusual to find newly built, affordable homes in this area, and we’re proud to make them available to local families.” ICHDE has built and renovated over 1,500 affordable housing units in New Castle County, working closely with the City of Wilmington and New Castle County governments. The organization’s work spans all three Delaware counties, combining housing development with financial literacy education and housing counseling.

Despite challenges including pandemic delays and supply chain issues, construction is now complete. The townhomes feature modern amenities and energy-efficient design while remaining affordable for moderate-income buyers.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the project’s completion will take place at the site on March 26th at 11:00 AM. Mayor John Carney, project partners, and community leaders will be in attendance to mark this addition to Wilmington’s housing options.

“Homeownership builds wealth and strengthens neighborhoods. Projects like this one, which turn vacant lots into homes people can actually afford, are essential to Wilmington’s future” said Mayor John Carney.
“We’re grateful to the City of Wilmington, the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank, and the Delaware State Housing Authority for helping make this project happen, as well as our construction partner C & B General Contractors Inc,” added Sample. “Their support is creating real affordable homeownership opportunities in an area where new construction is rare.”

For details about the ribbon-cutting event or information about purchasing one of these affordable homes, please contact Catherine Davis at [email protected].

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About Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Inc.:
Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Inc. (ICHDE), a chartered member of NeighborWorks America, works to revitalize neighborhoods by developing affordable housing, providing homeownership services for low- and moderate-income households, supporting resident leadership, and building community assets. As Delaware’s first certified NeighborWorks organization since 1999, ICHDE continues to create sustainable housing opportunities and empower residents across communities throughout the state. Learn more at https://www.ichde.org/.

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