Woodlawn Trustees

08/18/2026

What does "thoughtful development" mean to us?

It is the idea that affordable housing, market-rate housing, parks for recreation, and preservation of the land in the Brandywine Valley should be considered when developing land in and around Wilmington.

08/13/2026

Did you know the Brandywine Valley site of the First State National Historical Park wouldn't exist without William Poole Bancroft?

Guided by his Quaker values, Bancroft believed everyone—regardless of class or wealth—deserved affordable housing and easy access to nature.

Bancroft put his vision into action by:

🏡 Founding Woodlawn Trustees in 1901 to build affordable housing and protect land from overdevelopment.

🏞️ Donating over 200 acres to create Wilmington’s public park system (even consulting legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted!).

🌲 Inspiring local conservation efforts, which ultimately led to the creation of Brandywine Creek State Park and over 1,300 acres donated to the National Park Service.

When you enjoy the open green spaces of northern Delaware today, you're experiencing Bancroft's 100+ year legacy of community care and conservation.

08/10/2026

Applications for the waiting list for The Flats Phase III through HDC MidAtlantic! We do not currently have any vacant apartments

*Must meet minimum and maximum income guidelines to qualify*
Rent includes water, sewer, and trash removal

Section 8 and most housing vouchers are accepted.

HDC MidAtlantic partnered with Woodlawn Trustees, Incorporated, the owner of the property, to create this modernized but historical neighborhood located adjacent to Bancroft Pkwy., close to Woodlawn Library, Woodlawn Park and Little Italy. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

08/07/2026

Did you know? Over a century ago, our founder William Poole Bancroft recognized that city residents needed access to green spaces within walking distance of their homes. 🌳

He purposefully set aside land for neighborhood parks alongside residential development, ensuring that urban growth never came at the expense of human health and recreation. Today, Woodlawn Trustees continues to balance thoughtful development with open space management to fulfill that exact same vision.

08/05/2026

Looking to beat the heat? Some of the open space destinations we have helped preserve and are open to the public are First State National Historical Park, Brandywine Creek State Park, and Rockford Park.

Discover Woodlawn Trustees' commitment to open spaces, historic preservation, and community development. Learn about our role in creating beloved parks and fostering a thriving Woodlawn.

07/31/2026

If you are looking to extend your affordable housing search, check out Delaware 211: https://bit.ly/4jHiPEC

07/28/2026

Shaping communities with care and vision since 1901—every Woodlawn Trustees project reflects our commitment to thoughtful planning, timeless standards, and beautiful, welcoming spaces.
https://woodlawntrustees.com/thoughtful-development/

07/23/2026

In 1959, the Woodlawn Trustees began building bridle paths to help their officers and guests explore more of the area. They used some existing farm roads and added new paths for recreational use. By 1968, these paths were open to the public for activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

These trails are now encompassed in the Brandywine Valley Trail Plan. https://www.nps.gov/frst/planyourvisit/brandywine-valley-trail-plan-implementation.htm

07/20/2026

We are still accepting waiting list applications through HDC MidAtlantic for The Flats Phase III!

HDC MidAtlantic partnered with Woodlawn Trustees, Incorporated, the owner of the property, to create this modernized but historical neighborhood located adjacent to Bancroft Pkwy., close to Woodlawn Library, Woodlawn Park and Little Italy. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

07/14/2026

Watching The Flats Phase V come to life - we can't wait to welcome residents soon!