Post Date: 07/16/2018 1:30 PM

The Overlook at Rockford Falls from Montchanin Builders will feature 32 luxury townhomes near Rockford Park

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki today joined Don Robitzer, Tony Ruggio and Tim Jones, partners in Montchanin Builders, and other guests at a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the opening of Wilmington’s newest residential community—The Overlook at Rockford Falls. When construction is completed in a few years, 32 luxury townhomes will sit on the former site of the historic Bancroft Mills overlooking the Brandywine River in the vicinity of Rockford Park, which is one of the oldest parks in the city.

Also participating in today’s ceremony were 8th District Council Member Charles “Bud” Freel and a host of new town home owners who are or will soon become part of the new residential community.

“Not only is this area of Wilmington steeped in natural beauty and rich history,” said Mayor Purzycki, “but it is convenient to numerous cultural and recreational amenities like the Delaware Art Museum and Alapocas Run State Park. I welcome the new residents of The Overlook at Rockford Falls and invite them to become deeply involved with our City and all that is has to offer to residents and visitors alike.”

Construction of the new townhomes, which start at about $570,000, began in January and all of the homes are scheduled to be completed by 2020. Two finished homes are already occupied and another 20 properties have buyers lined up, which speaks to the popularity of the new community.

“We are honored to be a part of Wilmington’s continued revival, adding a much needed ‘for sale’ component to augment the red hot rental market,” said project partner Don Robitzer. “I am humbled by the overwhelming response to The Overlook at Rockford Falls and look forward to working with the city to provide more opportunities for new homeowners in Wilmington.”

History of Bancroft Mills

Bancroft Mills was opened in 1831 by an English immigrant, Joseph Bancroft (1803-1874). Bancroft Mills was once the largest cotton finishing mill in the United States. Nearby Gilpin Mills, opened in 1787, was the first paper mill in Delaware. Bancroft Mills was rebuilt following a flood in 1839 and expanded several times over the years, including in 1895 when it was consolidated with neighboring Riddle Mills. By 1930 it was one of the largest cotton finishing works in the world. Bancroft Mills was noted for its technological innovation and for finishing cloth produced elsewhere, and especially for producing fabric window shades. Bancroft Mills closed in 1961 as textile producers left the northeastern United States for the southern states and remained abandoned for years. A fire on November 9, 2016 engulfed a large section of the property, destroying several historic mill buildings.

Montchanin Builders

Montchanin Builders is a full service residential construction and construction management company headquartered in Wilmington. The local, independent and privately owned firm has more than 70 years of combined experience in land acquisition, development and construction. Featured on local media, as well as national segments of HGTV, homes by Montchanin Builders have been formally recognized for quality construction and craftsmanship.

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News and information from the Office of Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki

John Rago

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Communications

Mobile: (302) 420-7928

Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov

Paul Ford Jr.

Communications Specialist

Mobile: (302) 530-2171

Email: plford@WilmingtonDE.gov



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Email: dsanchez@WilmingtonDE.gov