Rockford Tower Restoration
City of Wilmington Delaware,
Department of Public Works
$575,000.00 Construction Cost

Rockford Tower is a beloved city and state landmark located within Rockford Park, at the city’s highest point. After a successful 1990’s lobbying effort by the Friends of Wilmington Parks, MGZA was retained by the City of Wilmington to document routine minimal roof maintenance repairs that would allow the observation deck to be safely re-opened for the public celebration.

With the cooperation of MGZA, the City, State Parks and the Friends of Wilmington Parks, the initial repair mission was expanded to include restoration of many original elements of the Tower, that would make the re-opening a visual experience that would recall the goals of the original 1880’s Tower design.

MGZA defined a repair scope with expanded benefits for the varied groups. All repairs would be undertaken for longevity, cost-effectiveness, and historic sensitivity. Necessary repairs included items offering financial benefits and improvements in maintenance processes.

• Removal of old damaged copper, existing wind vane and damaged concrete roof deck.
• Shop fabrication of the new Tower top, the cone, a new spire and a working restoration of the wind vane.
• Installation of code-compliant lightning protection.
• Abatement of lead paint.
• Restoration of missing historic gargoyles and re - anchoring of existing loose gargoyles.
• Repair and repainting of historic rails.
• Integration of City DPW antenna system into the roof.
• Replacement of historic light fixtures, repair of broken windows.
• Replacement of old entrance door in historic detail.