A mid-century high-rise in the heart of Wilmington
The Dorset, a 15-story condominium building completed in 1960, stands as a testament to mid-century urban living in Wilmington, Delaware. With 115 units, this residential tower offers a variety of living spaces in the vibrant Delaware Avenue neighborhood. Its central location provides residents with easy access to the city's cultural, recreational, and commercial offerings. The building's straightforward design, typical of its era, focuses on functionality and comfort, prioritizing the needs of its diverse community of residents.
Versatile layouts to suit various lifestyles
The Dorset offers a range of floor plans to accommodate different needs and preferences. Studio units, starting at approximately 500 square feet, provide compact living spaces ideal for singles or those seeking a pied-à-terre. One-bedroom units range from 536 to 900 square feet, with prices around $110,000, offering a balance of space and affordability.
Two-bedroom units, spanning 975 to 2,150 square feet, are available in various configurations, some featuring one to two and a half bathrooms. These larger units, priced between $150,000 and $200,000, cater to families or those desiring more space. For those needing even more room, three-bedroom units ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 square feet are available, with two to three bathrooms and prices around $270,000.
Many units in The Dorset have been updated over the years, featuring modern amenities such as fresh flooring, updated bathrooms, and contemporary light fixtures. Some units boast parquet flooring, adding a touch of classic elegance. Kitchens in various units have seen upgrades, including new appliances, cabinetry, and countertops. Many apartments offer balconies, providing residents with private outdoor space and city views. Some units even feature four-season enclosed balconies, extending living areas and offering year-round enjoyment of the surroundings.
The building's concrete construction ensures excellent soundproofing between units, contributing to a peaceful living environment. Large windows in many apartments allow for ample natural light, creating bright and inviting spaces. Some units include walk-in closets, providing generous storage options.
Monthly HOA fees range from $100 to $1,500, covering a comprehensive list of services and amenities. These include air conditioning, cable TV, common area maintenance, electricity, custodial services, exterior building maintenance, gas, heat, lawn maintenance, management, sewer, snow removal, trash, water, and laundry facilities. This all-inclusive fee structure simplifies budgeting for residents and ensures the building and its amenities are well-maintained year-round.
Comfort and convenience in a secure environment
The Dorset offers a range of amenities designed to enhance residents' daily lives. The building's sophisticated lobby sets the tone for the property, welcoming residents and guests alike. Security is a priority, with a front desk security guard and 24-hour surveillance providing peace of mind for all residents.
Two recently renovated elevators ensure smooth vertical transportation throughout the 15 floors. For those with vehicles, The Dorset offers a coveted amenity in urban living: deeded heated and covered garage spaces. This feature is particularly valuable during harsh weather conditions and for the security it provides.
The building's landscaped grounds offer a pleasant outdoor environment for residents to enjoy. Inside, a communal library provides a quiet space for reading or studying. Laundry facilities are available in the basement for those units without in-unit washers and dryers.
Storage is often a concern in urban living, but The Dorset addresses this with secure storage areas in the basement, allowing residents to keep their living spaces clutter-free. The building also features a mailroom for convenient package reception.
An on-site building manager ensures that the property is well-maintained and that residents' needs are promptly addressed. The management team also coordinates regular maintenance services, including free outside window cleaning twice a year, contributing to the building's overall upkeep and residents' comfort.
While The Dorset doesn't offer luxury amenities like pools or fitness centers, its focus on essential services and well-maintained common areas creates a comfortable and practical living environment. The building allows cats on a case-by-case basis, though dogs are not permitted, catering to pet owners while maintaining a quiet atmosphere.
Urban convenience meets historic charm
The Dorset is situated in the Delaware Avenue neighborhood, known for its blend of urban convenience and historic charm. This area offers residents a taste of city living with easy access to green spaces, cultural institutions, and a variety of dining and shopping options.
Brandywine Park, just a short walk from The Dorset, serves as a green oasis in the urban landscape. This 178-acre park features walking trails, monuments, and the Brandywine Zoo, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park's proximity allows residents to enjoy nature without leaving the city, whether it's for a morning jog, a weekend picnic, or an afternoon of wildlife watching at the zoo.
Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Delaware Art Museum, showcasing a rich collection of American art and illustrations. The Grand Opera House, a historic theater venue, offers a variety of performances throughout the year, from concerts to Broadway shows, enriching the neighborhood's cultural scene.
Trolley Square, a popular area for dining and nightlife, is within walking distance. This vibrant district features a range of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments. El Diablo Burritos, a local favorite, offers unique and flavorful burritos just a short walk from The Dorset. For those who enjoy a more traditional dining experience, Kozy Korner Restaurant, a family-owned institution since 1922, serves classic American breakfast and lunch options.
Shopping needs are well-served in the area. The nearby ACME Markets, about a 10-minute walk away, provides convenient grocery shopping. For a more extensive shopping experience, Christiana Mall is a short drive away, offering a wide range of retail options.
The neighborhood also boasts several smaller parks and green spaces, such as Cool Springs Park and Conaty Park, providing additional outdoor recreational opportunities. These spaces offer amenities like tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas, contributing to the area's family-friendly atmosphere.
Education options in the area include William C. Lewis Dual Language Elementary School, Delaware's only elementary school offering a full-immersion curriculum in both English and Spanish. The presence of educational institutions adds to the neighborhood's diverse and family-oriented character.
The Delaware Avenue area strikes a balance between urban living and community feel, offering residents of The Dorset the best of both worlds – the convenience of city amenities with the charm of a close-knit neighborhood.
Well-connected for urban and regional travel
The Dorset's location in the Delaware Avenue neighborhood provides residents with various transportation options, making it easy to navigate both the local area and the broader region.
For those who prefer public transportation, several bus stops are conveniently located near the building. The Delaware Ave & Harrison St bus stop is just a five-minute walk away, serving the Wilmington / Univ Plz / Newark line. This route connects residents to key areas of the city and beyond. Another nearby stop at Pennsylvania Ave & Van Buren St, also a short five-minute walk, offers access to multiple bus lines including Centreville / Greenville / Kennett Pike, Kirkwood Highway, and Lancaster Pike / Hockessin routes. These bus lines provide comprehensive coverage of the Wilmington area and its suburbs, making it easy for residents to commute or explore without a car.
For regional rail travel, the Wilmington station served by SEPTA Regional Rail is about a five-minute drive or a short bus ride away. This station, on the R2 line, provides direct access to Philadelphia and other major towns along the route, making it convenient for those who need to commute to Philadelphia or travel to other parts of the region.
Residents who prefer to drive will appreciate the easy access to major roadways. Interstate 95 is nearby, providing quick connections to other parts of Wilmington and facilitating travel to other East Coast cities. The building's offering of deeded heated and covered garage parking is a significant advantage for car owners, ensuring a protected and readily available parking spot – a rarity in many urban settings.
For air travel, Philadelphia International Airport is about a 30-minute drive away, making both domestic and international travel convenient for residents.
The neighborhood's layout and infrastructure also support alternative modes of transportation. The area's relatively flat terrain and network of sidewalks make it conducive to walking and cycling for local trips. Many daily necessities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and parks, are within walking distance, reducing the need for frequent car use.
While the area may not have the extensive public transit options of larger cities, the combination of bus routes, regional rail access, and walkable streets provides residents of The Dorset with flexible transportation choices. This mix of options allows residents to tailor their transportation methods to their specific needs, whether they're commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the wider region.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
6/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
65/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
50/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Cool Springs Park
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Conaty Park
7 min walk
Picnic Area
Tennis
Playground
Brandywine Park
10 min walk
Picnic Area
Tennis
Trails
Tilton Park
12 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
H.B. Dupont Park
13 min walk
Trails
Midtown Brandywine Pocket Park
14 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Stapler Park
15 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Helen Chambers Playground
2 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Father Tucker Memorial Park
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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