The grand opening of Market West at 221 W Tenth celebrates the building’s return to a thriving mixed-use destination with the completion of phase I and phase II of The Standard.
WILMINGTON, DE – April 7, 2025 – Wilmington-based developer, Buccini Pollin Group, Inc. proudly announces the grand opening of Market West, a dynamic mixed-use development that reimagines the former DuPont headquarters in Downtown Wilmington. As the flagship building at Market West, the $110 million redevelopment of 221 W Tenth (formerly Nemours) centered around a 450,000 SF office-to-residential conversion to introduce 363 luxury apartment homes at The Standard. Last week’s grand opening celebrates the building’s return to a thriving mixed-use destination with the completion of phase I and phase II of The Standard, marking a major milestone in the company’s long-term vision for the revitalization of Downtown Wilmington.
Aptly named, The Standard at Market West sets the new standard for apartment living in Wilmington. Designed by 39° North Architects, The Standard blends the building’s historic architecture while embracing contemporary living. The phased development includes 92 units completed in Summer 2023 from the former LuxiaSuites corporate housing,174 units completed in early 2025, and 97 units currently in development with expected completion by late 2026.
Offering studio-to-three-bedroom floor plans, the apartments feature high-end finishes, including continuous quartz countertops, herringbone tile bathroom flooring, and two-tone kitchen cabinetry. Residents benefit from onsite amenities such as The Mill coworking space, Theater N, CoreTen Fitness, Starbucks, Café Mezzanotte, and exclusive community areas, including a roof deck, pet washing station, and multiple resident lounges.
As The Standard helps build critical mass within the Central Business District, Market West as a whole plays a critical role in shaping the city’s urban lifestyle by integrating living, working, and entertainment together. Spanning five city blocks, Market West is comprised of six key properties:
- 221 W Tenth (formerly Nemours)
- 1000 N West (formerly Brandywine)
- Dupont Building
- 1105 N Market
- 253 W 11th (formerly City Center Garage)
- 1101 N Orange (formerly ParkBPG Garage)
Market West reflects the industry-wide trend of repurposing underutilized office space in order to recover the vitality of downtown districts in the post-COVID environment. By introducing a 24/7 residential presence, The Standard and the broader Market West development breathe new life into a historic area previously dominated by corporate offices.
As demonstrated through Market West, Buccini Pollin Group’s long-term vision extends beyond individual projects, embracing a broader strategy to revitalize Wilmington through an ongoing commitment to adaptive reuse. By thoughtfully reinvesting in these iconic properties, BPG continues to bridge the city’s historic legacy with its modern resurgence, fostering a thriving, mixed-use environment that attracts residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
“Market West is a project over 25 years in the making and was the first of many firsts for us when we acquired the Nemours Building in 1999. It marked our first development in Delaware, our first purchase of surplus corporate real estate, our first residential project, and our first office-to-residential conversion. In many ways, it was the beginning of BPG itself,” said Chris Buccini, Founder of the Buccini Pollin Group. “Today Market West brings us full circle. It’s not only a testament to how far we’ve come as a company, but also a reflection of how far our city has come since 1999.”
In 1999, BPG acquired Nemours, Brandywine, and CityCenter Garage as its first major investment in Wilmington. BPG later added the DuPont building and ParkBPG garage in 2017, reuniting the original headquarters under single ownership. As stewards of these historic assets, BPG has taken great care to restore these buildings to their former glory overseeing millions of dollars in renovations and capital improvement projects across Market West to position this former corporate campus into the lifestyle epicenter of Wilmington. These strategic projects include:
- The DuPont Building: A $130 million redevelopment completed in 2020, featuring 101 dupont place apartments, DECO Food Hall, Le Cavalier at The Green Room, Chemours Company global headquarters, upgrades to the 1,200 seat Playhouse on Rodney Square, and new retail such as the Currie Salon and Spa.
- 1000 N West: A $5 million tenant enhancement project in 2022 that introduced the Brandy Club, an exclusive amenity space with a 12-foot video wall, a tiered seating area, conference rooms, various workspaces, and a grab & go marketplace.
- The Mill: A 38,000-square-foot expansion of its flagship location at 221 W Tenth in early 2024, establishing it as one of the largest coworking spaces in the Greater Philadelphia area.
- 1105 N Market: Welcoming Spark’d Creative Pastry in December 2024. Spark’d will open a second location in the HOTEL DU PONT lobby later this year.
- DECO Food Hall: An exciting renovation, completed last month, introducing Casa Nonna, a full-service Italian restaurant, and Sumac, a new Mediterranean food stall. The renovation complemented the announcement that Bardea Restaurant Group is now taking over daily operations of DECO.
The complex redevelopment of Market West is the result of decades of strategic investment, meticulous planning, and collaboration among countless individuals, including the dedicated associates at BPG, BPGS Construction, BPG|360, and ResideBPG. The Standard alone generated 385 construction jobs within the city. Various organizations and consultants were involved in the project, but it would not have been possible without the initial commitment from our lenders Deutsche Bank, Fidelity Investment, and PNC Bank as well as the support of various departments at the City of Wilmington.
“Market West is a game-changer for Downtown Wilmington and has transformed our historic spaces into a connected and thriving community,” said Mayor John Carney. “BPG’s steady investment strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and enhances downtown’s appeal. We’re proud to support this project and excited for its future.”
For more information about Market West, including commercial and residential leasing, please contact visit marketwestde.com
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