Resident Curatorship Program Overview

The New Castle County Resident Curatorship Program is a public-private partnership which offers individuals and entities the opportunity to preserve, rehabilitate and maintain deteriorating County-owned historic buildings in exchange for a long-term, rent-free lease of the property.

 

A curator pledges to invest sufficient materials and services necessary to restore a particular historic property and also pledges to maintain said property in good condition after the restoration.  In exchange, no rent is charged.  If the curator continues to meet his or her obligations to the satisfaction of the Department of Special Services, the curatorship terminates upon the death of the curator or in the case of joint curatorship; it terminates upon the death of the survivor of the curators.

 

The Resident Curatorship Program will be offering county-owned properties for restoration and will request formal bid proposals for available properties.  The proposals will be judged by an internal committee on several factors including the basis of intended use and the ability of the applicant to finance needed restoration, renovation and maintenance. 

 

A curatorship proposal must represent at least $150,000 worth of improvements to the property.  Certain properties may require a significantly greater investment.

 

To be included on the Resident Curatorship Interested Parties List, simply complete and submit the Registration Form found on this website. You will automatically receive information and notices of new offerings as they become available.