New mural aims to lift community, reconnect Wilmington neighborhoods divided by I-95

Cameron Goodnight, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read

The Delaware Avenue Bridge in Wilmington is getting a face-lift this month, complete with a fresh paint job and colorful mural installation.

The project, which started Wednesday, intends to bridge the gap between Wilmington communities located on opposite sides of I-95. The major traffic corridor split the city when it was constructed in the 1960s. 

Once the highway was proposed, West Side homeowners fought against the decision, saying it would tear the city apart. However, in January 1959 — a week after Chancery Court overruled the residents — the city demolished more than 300 homes between Adams and Jackson Streets.

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Now, the creation of a mural at Delaware Avenue Bridge is the latest effort to reconnect those residents. After I-95’s construction, the area transitioned from working-class white homeowners to poor Black renters — and eventually became known as today’s West Center City.

What part of the Wilmington project started Wednesday?

On Wednesday, local artist Christian Kanienberg started designing the mural, which is expected to include birds, state trees, flowers and a peach blossom.

Christian Kanienberg, a local artist, was chosen by a committee of local leaders to work on a mural at the Delaware Avenue Bridge.
Christian Kanienberg, a local artist, was chosen by a committee of local leaders to work on a mural at the Delaware Avenue Bridge.

A phrase saying “Welcome to Wilmington,” will also be created along the bridge’s structure, Kanienberg said.

“The concept is to unite the neighborhoods on the East Side and West Side and create an elevated entrance to the city,” said Kanienberg, who was chosen to complete the project by a committee of local leaders.

Delaware Avenue Bridge is the sixth I-95 overpass to get a new look.

What's the purpose behind the murals?

The initiative started five years ago with community groups like United Neighbors, West Side Grows Together and Cornerstone West. In recent years, the groups painted murals on the 8th, 9th and 10th street bridges.

"This is a way of bringing people together from both sides of the highway and in the process … the artwork brings pride and a sense of ownership for residents in the community,” said Sarah Lester, the president and CEO of West Side Grows Together and Cornerstone West.

Lester also hopes the bright murals bring renewed interest in improving the area underneath the I-95 overpass.

“I think future conversations are going to be about making continued improvements along I-95 … like adding artwork, lighting and any other features that the community wants to see,” Lester said.

Contact local reporter Cameron Goodnight at cgoodnight@delawareonline.com, or by calling or texting 302-324-2208. Follow him on Twitter at @CamGoodnight.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Avenue Bridge getting 'Welcome to Wilmington' mural, facelift