VIEWPOINT: Reimagining Wilmington’s Future with the Biden Presidential Library

Charles Vincent

Great conferences connect people and ideas, as was evident at Spur Impact’s 8th annual MILLSUMMIT leadership conference in August. More than 300 professionals from across the country gathered in Wilmington to network, connect, and learn from the more than 30 speakers addressing the future of the workforce in business, nonprofits, and government. Attendees were challenged to consider policies and practices that could strengthen our communities and state’s philanthropic culture. These exchanges sparked lively conversations throughout the day, some with the potential to shape our community’s future.

One such discussion that emerged among attendees was the potential location of the Biden Presidential Library. While University of Delaware (undergrad), Syracuse University (law school), and Washington, D.C. (presidency) have shown interest, there was a buzz in the air in imagining downtown Wilmington as the future site.

Wilmington is a logical choice to host the Biden Presidential Library. The city is undergoing significant economic revitalization in every direction. In recent weeks, the biggest headlines have been about Incyte moving its headquarters downtown, the upcoming Riverfront East redevelopment, and Bank of America donating a building for a new education hub that will house programs with Delaware Law School, University of Delaware, and Delaware State University. REACH Riverside has continued its multimillion-dollar redevelopment work throughout the Riverside neighborhoods and just broke ground for the new Kingswood Community Center. Wilmington has shown it is open and supportive of both businesses and community organizations.

Presidential libraries usually contain a museum and appear to work particularly well economically when they help anchor areas already primed for development like Wilmington. In terms of space, Wilmington can also easily accommodate the requisite needs. The federal budget typically allocates 70,000 square feet for presidential libraries, though they can be larger with private funding. To be fair, there are some that are significantly larger (e.g., Reagan at 243,000 SF, George W. Bush at 226,000 SF, Clinton at 152,000 SF, Kennedy at 141,000 SF, and the massive Obama project that will likely approach 250,000 SF). According to leasing expert Wills Elliman, at least six Class A buildings downtown could accommodate a small library and museum, while two or more could be considered for a larger one.

Among attendees discussing this, the biggest buzz was around one particular building with significant historical value: the Daniel L. Herrmann Courthouse in Rodney Square. With respect to the current tenant, the law firm of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, speculation was that they are bursting at the seams. In so moving office chess pieces around the board, I agree with others that there is great potential in reimagining this courthouse as the Biden Presidential Library, especially given its size (reportedly 245,000 RSF). As an anchor of Wilmington’s Central Business District, the library could:

• Pay homage to President Biden’s early career as a public defender in downtown Wilmington, making it a fitting tribute to his legacy of public service,
• Complement the cradle to college pipeline being developed by the leaders at REACH Riverside, the Community Education Building, and the Community Services Building,
• Boost hotel, restaurant, and retail spending through increased tourism,
• Enhance the Wilmington Public Library’s offerings with new programs, exhibits, and events, and
• Stimulate real estate development and attract professionals to Wilmington.

Transforming the Daniel L. Herrmann Courthouse into the Biden Presidential Library could inspire future leaders in Wilmington and beyond for generations to come.

Charlie Vincent is executive director of Spur Impact, a Delaware nonprofit whose mission is to foster connections for emerging leaders to spur community involvement.