F. W. Woolworth Building (Wilmington, Delaware)
| Company type | Department store |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1940 |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Fate | Closed; building repurposed and leased to Walgreens |
| Headquarters | Wilmington, Delaware , United States |
| Products | General merchandise |
The F. W. Woolworth Company Building stands as a notable historic department store situated in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
History
Operating from 1940 until 1997, this location was among the final stores run by the F. W. Woolworth Company before its closure. Subsequently, the premises were occupied by a Happy Harry's pharmacy until Walgreens acquired the chain in 2007. Walgreens maintained business under the Happy Harry's brand temporarily before transitioning to its own name. In 2008, ownership transferred to BPG Property Group, which presently leases the property back to Walgreens.
Architecture
This art deco structure was crafted by company architect H. W. Stakes and is characterized by a steel frame supporting a masonry curtain wall. The second and third floor exterior showcases vertical stripes of peach and cream terra cotta tiles arranged alternately, featuring lotus designs. A distinctive grey medallion embossed with a raised "W" embellishes the chamfered corner at 9th and Market streets.
Initially, the retail space consisted of two sales levels: the street-level floor and a bargain basement, with remnants of escalators still visible today.
In accordance with original architectural plans, a third floor was added in 1959. BPG Property Group intends to refurbish the upper stories and construct two additional floors to accommodate residential apartments.
Location
Positioned at the prominent retail crossroads of 9th and Market streets, this building lies just one block away from Rodney Square within Wilmington’s central business district. Additionally, Woolworths operated another store located four blocks away at 504 Market Street, which currently serves as the home of the Delaware History Museum.
See also
- List of Woolworth buildings
- Delaware Historical Society
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Wilmington, Delaware
External links
- Articles with short description
- Commercial buildings completed in 1940
- Commercial buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware
- Department stores on the National Register of Historic Places
- F. W. Woolworth Company buildings and structures
- Art Deco architecture in Delaware
- National Register of Historic Places in Wilmington, Delaware
- 1940 establishments in Delaware
- Individually listed contributing properties to historic districts on the National Register in Delaware