Dewey’s Lighthouse Cove set to expand
Story Location:
1301 Coastal Highway
Dewey Beach, DE
United States
With the concrete-cutting churn of a circular saw in the background, Dewey and state officials joined representatives from Harvey, Hanna & Associates for an Oct. 7 groundbreaking for the next phase of Lighthouse Cove.
Thomas Harvey, Lighthouse Cove and Harvey, Hanna & Associates president, said when it’s complete there will be 27 new condos, most with views of Rehoboth Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. There will also be 100 new parking spots in the building’s garage, he said, providing out-of-site parking and protection from the elements. The rooftop plaza will be expanded and a pool will be added, he said.
Interrupted a few times, Harvey apologized for the saw grinding in the background, but he said the company wanted to keep to its nonsummer construction deadline, so work on the next phase had already begun.
The company has listened to the concerns of town officials, citizens and neighbors, he said. The lifestyle here in Dewey is unique, said Harvey. The company didn’t want to wreck or mess it up, he said.
“I think we’ve managed to fit in pretty well,” he said.
Dewey Beach Mayor Dale Cooke addressed the crowd briefly. The town is going to see this project through to the end, he said.
“If they succeed, we succeed,” said Cooke.
The ceremony marks the third phase of construction. In September 2013, the 108-room Hyatt Place with 16 condominiums opened. In the fall of 2014, a section facing Dickinson Avenue opened with 22 more hotel rooms, 10 more condos and the first portion of a parking garage.
The groundbreaking comes weeks after the town and the development company, Dewey Beach Enterprises, signed a five-year extension to the agreement between the town and the development company.
The original six-year agreement was signed by the town and DBE in February 2011. As part of the amendment, the town receives a $300,000 cash payment; payment for professional review and legal fees; a $600,000 line of credit will secure construction of 85 public parking spaces; and escalating building permit fees totaling $1.4 million.
The final phase of the Lighthouse Cove development project includes up to 41 additional condos, a new convention center, retail space, additional parking and a bay walk.
