Milford is moving closer to filling its new Milford Corporate Center, with infrastructure work on the $18 million, 180-acre business park expected to wrap up by the end of September. The city is now marketing 27 available lots, ranging from 3.2 to 8.4 acres, as officials and economic development partners work to attract businesses and an estimated 1,300 jobs to the site.
Vanderwende’s Farm Creamery has brought its signature ice cream to downtown Milford, opening Aug. 13 in the former North Pole Creamery at 10 S. Walnut St. The new shop will initially serve about 25 flavors and remain open through December, with the Bridgeville-based family business considering additional offerings next year. The Milford location is the creamery’s latest expansion as it works toward a goal of 10 stores.
The Milford Corporate Center is moving into active marketing as real estate agents begin seeking buyers and tenants for 27 available lots at the nearly 180-acre development. The project is designed to accommodate about 2 million square feet of commercial space and could eventually support up to 1,300 jobs. Infrastructure work, including roads and utilities, is continuing as NAI Emory Hill fields inquiries from prospective manufacturers, distributors, contractors and other businesses. Officials say the site’s existing zoning and proximity to major roads give it an advantage as Milford works to attract new employers and investment.
City Council unanimously approved three contracts May 11 to expand water infrastructure at the Milford Corporate Center. The largest is a $3.15 million contract with CB&I Tank Storage Solutions to build a 300,000-gallon elevated water tower, with construction expected to begin next spring and the tower targeted to become operational in 2028. Council also approved $106,150 for KCI Technologies to oversee construction and $53,000 for a feasibility study for a potential second well at the site. Officials say the additional water capacity will help meet peak demand, support future growth and provide backup when existing wells are offline.
Milford City Council unanimously extended George & Lynch Inc.’s contract for Phase 1 of the Milford Corporate Center to July 10 after snowstorms and utility conflicts delayed the project. The extension comes as the company’s contract reaches nearly $18.9 million following recent change orders for electrical and asphalt work. Council also approved a conditional-use permit for Stone & Sage Holistic Healing and authorized $748,259 for paving, sidewalk, curb, storm-drain and accessibility improvements on seven city streets.
Milford City Council unanimously approved nearly $900,000 in change orders March 2 for electrical and asphalt work at the Milford Corporate Center. The largest, a $693,515 request from George & Lynch, will cover electric conduit installation and a bore under Canterbury Road. Another $200,255 will fund milling and overlay work on Canterbury Road. The expenses were already included in the city’s capital improvement plan, with eligible road costs subject to reimbursement through a $5.05 million DelDOT infrastructure grant. The changes bring George & Lynch’s adjusted contract for Phase 1 to $18.88 million.
Economic development is a top priority for Milford leaders in 2026, with the Milford Corporate Center at the center of the city’s efforts to attract businesses and create jobs. Phase one of the business park, which broke ground in March 2025, is expected to be completed by early summer. Officials are also planning to review zoning and land-use regulations, address housing affordability, update the city’s comprehensive plan and seek an extension of the Downtown Development District. Leaders say the projects could help position Milford for continued growth while strengthening opportunities for residents and businesses.
Milford and Harrington are entering the new year with economic development and growth among their top priorities. Milford officials are focused on attracting businesses and jobs to the Milford Corporate Center while reviewing zoning, housing and land-use policies to support sustainable growth. Harrington leaders are pursuing additional commercial development, including a potential grocery store, while moving forward with plans for its industrial park and considering data centers as a conditional use. Both cities are also seeking five-year extensions of their Downtown Development Districts, which provide financial incentives for revitalization and private investment.
Construction is underway on a new roundabout at Airport Road as the Milford Corporate Center takes shape. The project, required by DelDOT, is intended to improve traffic flow near the planned industrial park, which is expected to include up to 30 businesses and a new city water tower. Airport Road is closed between Delaware Veterans Boulevard and Canterbury Road, with the closure expected to continue through March 6. A second closure at Canterbury Road and Airport Road is scheduled to begin Nov. 24, with detours in place.
The Milford City Council unanimously approved deed restrictions Sept. 8 designed to preserve the city’s oversight of the Milford Corporate Center as properties are sold and developed. The restrictions allow the city to retain control of maintenance responsibilities and architectural review until those duties are transferred to property-owner organizations. The 147-acre business park, located near Del. 14 and Del. 15, will feature 27 lots. Officials also approved updated architectural guidelines governing building design and appearance.