
Gibraltar - Wilmington, DE
Posted by:
Brianslost
N 39° 45.680 W 075° 34.483
18S E 450771 N 4401425
Currently unused except for a group of volunteers working to keep the grounds maintained. so far any plans to refurbish and use the property have fallen through.
Waymark Code: WM4JGE
Location: Delaware, United States
Date Posted: 08/31/2008
Views: 57
From the Preservation Delaware website:
In the early 1990s, Gibraltar
faced an uncertain future following the death of H.R. Sharp, Jr. With its rich history, exquisite gardens, and association with an important Delaware family as well as a nationally renowned landscape architect, Gibraltar was a perfect candidate for restoration. In 1995, Preservation Delaware began working with the Sharp family while beginning the search for funds to acquire the property. PDI was directed to the Delaware Open Space Council, which received an appropriation each year to protect natural, scenic, and cultural properties. However, no other property in the city of Wilmington had been protected by the Open Space Council's program and they originally shied away from the property.
Countless community members and preservation advocates showed their support for preserving the important piece of Delaware history. After a year of negotiations, the Delaware Open Space Council purchased the development rights from the Sharp estate, thus protecting the house and gardens from imminent demolition. Encouraged by the strong show of support from the community and the government, the Sharp family then donated the property to Preservation Delaware. A preservation easement was placed with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure that Gibraltar would be restored and maintained to the highest standards. In 1998, Gibraltar was placed on the National Register for Historic Places. With the buildings and grounds secured, PDI is working with a hotel management firm to reuse the building.
Street address: Corner of Greenhill Ave. and Pennsylvania Ave. Wilmington, DE USA
 County / Borough / Parish: New Castle County
 Year listed: 1998
 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Home of H.R. Sharp Jr.
 Periods of significance: Early 1900's
 Historic function: Home
 Current function: Uncertain
 Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
 Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
 Privately owned?: Not Listed
 Season start / Season finish: Not listed
 Hours of operation: Not listed
 Secondary Website 2: Not listed
 National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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