Fort DuPont's Largest Remaining Site Could Reshape Housing Options in Delaware

New South Field plan targets 'missing middle' homes for working families, young professionals, and retirees

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:05pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic townhouse or duplex home repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the range of 'missing middle' housing types planned for the South Field development.A bold, graphic illustration captures the diverse housing types planned for the South Field development at Fort DuPont, aiming to address Delaware's 'missing middle' housing needs.Delaware City Today

The Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation (FDRPC) has launched a prequalification process for South Field, a 15.82-acre site in Delaware City that is being positioned as a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood centered on 'missing middle housing' - housing types that fall between single-family homes and large apartment complexes.

Why it matters

Delaware hasn't seen a public housing process structured quite like this, and the project reflects a broader need for housing diversity in the state. The goal is to balance practical development experience with strong design ideas that fit the historic Fort DuPont setting.

The details

Plans for South Field include a range of housing types that are largely absent from new construction in the state, including duplexes, townhomes, cottage courts, small multi-unit buildings, and live-work spaces. Developers must identify a portion of homes affordable to households earning about 80% to 120% of the area median income and outline how that affordability will be maintained over time.

  • The prequalification process was launched on April 7, 2026.
  • A site conference will be held from April 27 to May 1, 2026.
  • Questions are due by May 8, 2026.
  • Submissions are due by May 29, 2026.
  • The shortlist will be announced on June 12, 2026.

The players

Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation (FDRPC)

The organization that has launched the prequalification process for the South Field site.

Tim Slavin

The executive director of FDRPC.

Kendra Johnson

A state representative who said the project reflects a broader need for housing diversity in Delaware.

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What they’re saying

“Delaware hasn't seen a public housing process structured quite like this. We're looking for teams to help define what this neighborhood becomes, the housing types, the design, and how it connects to the surrounding community.”

— Tim Slavin, Executive Director, Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation

“What makes South Field so important is that it reflects a different approach to development, one that recognizes Delaware needs more housing choices, especially the kinds of missing middle homes that are often hardest to deliver but most needed by working families, older adults, and young professionals.”

— Kendra Johnson, State Representative

What’s next

The design competition phase will take place from July 3 to September 4, 2026, and the final selection will be announced on September 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This project represents a new approach to housing development in Delaware, focusing on creating a diverse range of 'missing middle' housing options that cater to the needs of working families, young professionals, and retirees. The goal is to balance practical development experience with strong design ideas that fit the historic Fort DuPont setting.