Poised for Growth in Central Delaware

Asbury Square, the only shovel-ready development project in the area, facilitates a new era of business opportunities, economic growth, and community attractions

BY MICHAEL MEOLI

COVID CHANGED THINGS considerably in terms of how people wanted to work, live, travel, and play, as well as what it takes for businesses in the hospitality industry to become established and thrive. Consequently, my partners and I found ourselves re-strategizing land development along State Route 1 and Frederica Road for a post-pandemic society. As we did this, one shared priority emerged: developing opportunities for desired amenities to get up and running as quickly and with as much flexibility as possible.

What we uncovered within these pandemic-driven changes was an opportunity to deliver shovel-ready pad sites offering maximum design flexibility for a market with rapidly growing demand for hotels, restaurants, complementary retail, and related amenities. The development of these sites would be structured to allow businesses to bring their own unique concepts to life quickly. It was also critical to us that these site developments maintain the distinctive culture of Kent County—a community that has always celebrated its individuality by embracing the county’s rich history, local resources, and diverse demographics.

What is now known as Asbury Square offers a chance to bring all these elements together—to facilitate a thriving business community that introduces exciting new attractions for locals and visitors alike, while remaining true to everything wonderful about Kent County.

Following years of strategic planning that gave rise to DE Turf, Asbury Square is now poised to deliver the next phase of economic growth in central Delaware. This development opportunity comes “fully equipped” with the tools required to expedite a business owner’s vision. Among Asbury Square’s advantages are:

• Four restaurant pad sites along State Route 1, with approximately 12,800 square feet of flexible design space; two in-line retail pads along Frederica Road; and a convenience/gas pad site.

• Booming residential surroundings—within five minutes of Asbury Square, 1,952 residential units have been approved for construction, and another 2,800 residential units are planned for development within the next three years.

• A superior location—easily accessible to people just minutes from downtown Milford and Dover, or en route to and from Delaware beaches; convenient access to and excellent visibility along Route 1; directly across from DE Turf.

• A proven concept—SpringHill Suites by Marriott anchors Asbury Square and is already performing well above expectations; Empire Wine & Spirits just opened in the summer of 2024 and is likewise doing extremely well.

The most exciting aspect of Asbury Square is that the project already has all necessary approvals—from DelDOT, Kent Conservation District, the Town of Frederica, and others—and all public utilities are in place. Because Asbury Square is shovel-ready, a business can come to us with a proposed design, secure final site plan approval, break ground, and be open for business in less than a year.

Asbury Square promises to be a catalyst for business growth, job creation, and economic vitality in central Delaware. It is poised to meet the demand of a thriving and expanding market and enrich lives through new, more convenient, and more exciting experiences that benefit the entire community.

Michael Meoli is president of Meoli Companies and principal owner of Asbury Hospitality LLC.