MILTON, Del. - A historic house on Route 1 from around 1862 is set for demolition this year. Plans are underway to revitalize the property, especially the M + D produce stand next to it. One main transformation of the land will be dedicated to children's activities.
Darrell Hughes, the owner of 2 Angel’s Ice Cream and Stick To Your Ribs Food Truck says he intends to rebuild the produce stand, establish a food truck park with picnic seating, and create a Children’s Play Park featuring sensory toys, oversized games, a zipline, and moon bounces. Additionally, both dirt and asphalt RC tracks will be constructed.
Although BBQ was initially planned, rising costs and theft of two grills have led Hughes to reconsider. Another food truck is ready to join once cleanup and setup are complete.
Hughes, who leases the property, says the structure of the house is too deteriorated to save.
"If there was a way I could've saved it, I would try to," Hughes said. "Some people see it as an eyesore, some see it as a landmark."
While the house will be torn down in the next year, Hughes plans to work daily until summer to build the children's areas, including a treehouse and waterslide.
"We just want to bring joy to kids. There's not a lot to do around this area," Hughes said. "I've actually had two kids that have passed away, so this is something near and dear to my heart."
Local resident Alfred Best acknowledged the loss of history but supports the new vision.
"Fortunately, it's not going to be a development, and if it becomes a space for kids, we need that because there’s very little around here for them," said Best.
"There's nowhere to really stop and eat on Route 1," Hughes said, hoping food trucks will attend the area this summer.
Hughes says he welcomes any help in the demolition process, as quotes for the process have been very expensive.