About 701 N West St
Discover a rare piece of American history at 701 N West St, a grand 18th-century Georgian-style single-family home listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. Built circa 1745 by Quaker ropemaker Joseph Woodward, this three-story, L-shaped granite structure exemplifies early colonial architecture in Wilmington, serving as one of the city’s only surviving stone houses with a side-hall plan from that era. Originally tied to the family’s ropemaking business supporting the local shipbuilding industry, it features preserved Federal-period details like paneled wainscoting, an open-string staircase, original fireplaces, wide pine floors, and hand-hewn beams, offering a tangible link to Quaker entrepreneurship and Delaware’s maritime heritage. Spanning 3 stories plus an attic, this 6-bedroom, 3-full-bathroom residence provides ample space for restoration into a stunning home or adaptive reuse project, with its symmetrical facade, multi-pane windows, and central hallway layout blending timeless charm with potential modern updates.
Located in Wilmington’s Downtown Development District, this property qualifies for significant incentives to support your vision, including up to 20% rebates on qualified real property investments through Delaware’s Downtown Development Districts Rebate Program. As a National Register-listed site, it’s also eligible for federal historic preservation tax credits (up to 20% for certified rehabilitations) and potential state grants, making it an ideal opportunity for investors or preservation enthusiasts. Currently in rough shape and requiring extensive work, the home is being sold as-is, allowing you to unlock its full potential in a vibrant setting near downtown amenities, parks, and transportation. Don’t miss this chance to own and revive a cornerstone of Wilmington’s colonial past.
