Kennedy Health Neuropathy Doctors You Can Count On

Book Appointment

Find neuropathy relief with doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Wilmington Manor, DE

For many Americans, living with neuropathy is one of the greatest challenges they face. Present in about 8% of people around the world, neuropathy - or peripheral neuropathy, to be more accurate - can affect anybody. In the United States alone, there are more than 40 million people with neuropathy, with health costs surpassing $4 billion each year. Approximately 10% of people over 40 years of age get neuropathy, as do 50% of diabetics and 20% of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common, the population ages and people with HIV/AIDS live longer.

While some patients have a higher risk of developing specific types of peripheral neuropathy, it does not discriminate between race, sex, age, personal circumstances, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy awareness is growing, and by proxy, so are new treatment options. If you've been suffering from the symptoms of neuropathy and are in search of a solution, Kennedy Health Clinic can help with our doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Wilmington Manor, DE. From advanced therapies to state-of-the-art technology, we utilize the latest advancements in pain management to help you regain your quality of life.

But to truly understand how neuropathy treatment can help, it's important to first understand the disease and how it affects your nervous system.

Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve disorders that affect a specific part of your nervous system. There are several conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a variety of symptoms. The symptoms and the body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy depend on the underlying cause.

Peripheral neuropathy can manifest in a variety of ways. It has the potential to impact a single nerve, a group of related nerves, or numerous nerves in several areas of the body. The specific symptoms will vary based on which type of nerve signals are affected, and it is possible for multiple signal types to be involved.

Symptom types include the following:

  • Sensory and Pain
  • Motor
  • Autonomic

Now that we've covered some of the most difficult symptoms to live with when you have neuropathy, you're probably wondering how Kennedy Health Clinic can help. Before recommending treatment, your neuropathy doctor will suggest one or more diagnostic tests for a full-body analysis. Doing so will help our team provide better neuropathy treatment for both short and long-term needs.

People living with neuropathy have to deal with difficulties that most men and women in America don't ever think about. It's understandable, then, that they may become tired and even depressed because of their condition. That's where Kennedy Health Clinic steps in - to provide advanced neuropathy treatments and, ultimately, enhanced quality of life.

Living with nerve pain can be incredibly challenging. If you've been experiencing it for a long time, you may feel hopeless, sad, angry, or even depressed due to the constant pain. This can cause you to withdraw from the people you are close to and stop doing the things you used to enjoy. If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of your nerve pain, here are three suggestions on how to take charge of your emotions and gain new perspectives.

At Kennedy Health Clinic, we're dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of our patients. We offer effective pain management treatments and holistic healing options to provide comprehensive care. Our commitment to our patients has made us a trusted partner in health and wellness - and we're ready to help you, too.

If you're suffering from nerve pain or other symptoms due to neuropathy, it's time to seek professional help. Our advanced neuropathy treatments are tailored to your body, your health needs, and your neuropathy goals. That way, we can give you the most effective and efficient care possible. When you trust our team of knowledgeable doctors, you're taking the first step toward a normal life without the painful surprises caused by neuropathy. Contact our office today to get started.

Service Areas

Neuropathy 101

Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve disorders that affect a specific part of your nervous system. There are several conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a variety of symptoms. The symptoms and the body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy depend on the underlying cause.

Neuropathy Treatment Wilmington Manor, DE

The Anatomy of Neuropathy

The nervous system in the human body is divided into two parts - the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes all other nerves present in the body. That includes those that travel from the spinal cord and brain to supply the face and other parts of the body.

Whenever there is any condition that affects the peripheral nerves, it is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Healthcare providers often use the terms "neuropathy" and "polyneuropathy" interchangeably with "peripheral neuropathy." It is important to note that peripheral nerves, being the farthest from the central nervous system, tend to show the earliest and most severe effects of these conditions.

How Does Neuropathy Affect Your Body?

In order to comprehend the impact of peripheral neuropathy on your body, it's useful to have some knowledge about neurons - a crucial type of cell that forms your nerves. These neurons utilize electrical and chemical signals to transmit and relay messages throughout your nervous system. Each neuron in your body is made up of the following:

 Neuropathy Clinic Wilmington Manor, DE

Cell Body

A cell body is the primary part of a cell.

 Neuropathy Doctor Wilmington Manor, DE

Axon

An axon is a long, arm-like projection that extends from the cell body of a neuron. At the end of the axon, there are several finger-like extensions called synapses, which convert the electrical signal in the neuron into a chemical signal. These synapses then transmit the signal to other nearby nerve cells.

 Neuropathy Therapy Wilmington Manor, DE

Dendrites

Dendrites are small, tree-like extensions on the cell body that receive chemical signals from nearby neurons' synapses.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Wilmington Manor, DE

Myelin

This is a protective covering made up of thin, fatty chemical compounds that surround the axon of many neurons.

Neuropathy Treatment Wilmington Manor, DE

The development of peripheral neuropathy and how long it takes depends on its underlying cause. If the cause is an injury, it can develop instantly or within a few hours. However, some forms of peripheral neuropathy caused by toxins or inflammation may develop rapidly over days or weeks. In contrast, most other conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy take months, years, or even decades to develop. Regardless of the cause, modern advances in medicine give patients hope for recovery, using doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Wilmington Manor, DE.

The Most Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can manifest in a variety of ways. It has the potential to impact a single nerve, a group of related nerves, or numerous nerves in several areas of the body. The specific symptoms will vary based on which type of nerve signals are affected, and it is possible for multiple signal types to be involved.

Symptom types include the following:

  • Sensory and Pain
  • Motor
  • Autonomic

Curious what type of symptom you or a family member is suffering from? Let's take a closer look at each type of symptom below.

Motor Symptoms of Neuropathy

The peripheral nervous system in your body carries motor signals that originate in your brain and are sent to your muscles. These signals allow you to move around and carry out various physical activities. For your muscles to remain healthy and function properly, they require nerve connections to the brain. Some motor symptoms include:

 Neuropathy Clinic Wilmington Manor, DE

Atrophied Muscles

Nerve connection loss causes your muscles to weaken and shrink. With peripheral neuropathy, this happens most often in your lower legs, feet, and hands. Occasionally, patients will experience deformities in their hands and feet due to muscle loss.

 Neuropathy Doctor Wilmington Manor, DE

Muscle Paralysis and Weakness

Muscle weakening is a common issue caused by nerve deterioration from peripheral neuropathy. This condition can result in paralysis, making it difficult to move toes or causing foot drop and hand weakness. Additionally, it can also affect muscles in other areas of the body, such as the thighs and arms.

 Neuropathy Therapy Wilmington Manor, DE

Uncontrollable Movements

When nerves lose a connection to your brain because of your neuropathy, they can become hyperactive, resulting in uncontrolled muscle movements and cramps.

Autonomic Symptoms of Neuropathy

Did you know that your body has several processes that happen automatically without your conscious effort? These automatic functions are known as autonomic processes, and they include things like sweating, digestion, and blood pressure control. Autonomic nerve fibers are responsible for carrying signals for these automatic processes. However, disruptions in these signals can cause your body's automatic processes to malfunction. Some of these processes may work intermittently, while others may not work at all.

Some autonomic symptoms of neuropathy include:

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Wilmington Manor, DE

Changes in Blood Pressure

Your body naturally regulates blood pressure, but damage to your peripheral nerves can cause sudden drops in blood pressure or increases in heart rate, especially upon standing up.

Neuropathy Treatment Wilmington Manor, DE

Bladder and Bowel Issues

Autonomic signals control bowel and bladder function involuntarily. Nerve fiber disruption from neuropathy may affect your ability to control your bladder and bowel movements.

 Neuropathy Clinic Wilmington Manor, DE

Issues with Sweating

Your body has a natural mechanism to regulate its internal temperature, which involves sweating to dissipate heat. However, if you suffer from peripheral nerve damage, it can disrupt this process and cause you to sweat excessively or not enough.

 Neuropathy Doctor Wilmington Manor, DE

Intimacy Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a known symptom of neuropathy because your autonomic nervous system is in control of your sexual arousal.

Sensory Symptoms of Neuropathy

Your peripheral nerves are responsible for transmitting information about the outside world to your brain in the form of nerve signals. This information is then processed by your brain, allowing you to sense and perceive the world around you. However, when you have peripheral neuropathy, it can interfere with your ability to pick up sensory information or communicate it with your brain, leading to disruptions in your senses

 Neuropathy Therapy Wilmington Manor, DE

Numbness

This is one of the most common symptoms of neuropathy and is caused when your nerves can't relay or send signals properly, causing sensation loss.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Wilmington Manor, DE

Pain

Peripheral neuropathy can result in nerve damage that affects the way pain signals are sent, causing pain signals to be more intense (hyperalgesia) or triggered too easily (allodynia). It can even cause nerves to generate pain signals spontaneously, leading to what is known as "neuropathic" pain. Patients cite this as the most disruptive and challenging symptom of peripheral neuropathy.

Neuropathy Treatment Wilmington Manor, DE

Tingling

When your nerves can't carry signals to your brain properly, it can cause tingling. Think of it like radio static that you hear when you're losing a radio signal.

 Neuropathy Clinic Wilmington Manor, DE

Problems with Balance

Did you know that nerves help your brain keep track of where your hands and feet are? Even though you may not realize it, these sensations are crucial for your balance and coordination. If you lose these sensations, you might struggle with balance, especially in the dark, and have trouble using your hands.

Types of Diagnostic Testing Needed for Doctors Preferred Treatment for Neuropathy in Legs and Feet in Wilmington Manor, DE

Now that we've covered some of the most difficult symptoms to live with when you have neuropathy, you're probably wondering how Kennedy Health Clinic can help. Before recommending treatment, your neuropathy doctor will suggest one or more diagnostic tests for a full-body analysis. Doing so will help our team provide better neuropathy treatment for both short and long-term needs.

Diagnostic tests for neuropathy include:

Complimentary Thermoscan

During your initial complimentary consultation, our healthcare providers will conduct a free thermo scan, which is a diagnostic tool used to monitor foot temperature. This test is particularly useful in detecting warning signs of potential foot complications, especially for those with diabetic neuropathy who develop foot ulcers.

 Neuropathy Doctor Wilmington Manor, DE

Nerve Conductive Study

At Kennedy Health, we use a procedure called a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) to determine the speed of electric impulses traveling through your nerves. This diagnostic test aids in detecting any nerve damage and helps our neuropathy doctors administer appropriate treatment for nerve reactivation.

 Neuropathy Therapy Wilmington Manor, DE

Discover Poor Blood Flow Locations

Poor blood flow can cause nerve pain and damage. To find out exactly where the blockages or tears are, our providers use an ultrasound to map out the veins and arteries in your leg. This helps identify weak or strained areas and allows us to find the exact location of poor blood flow in your lower extremities.

Depending on the severity of your neuropathy, you may qualify for one or more of the tests above. Once our team has a better understanding of your conditions and symptoms, we can provide advanced treatment recommendations for your neuropathy.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Wilmington Manor, DE

Kennedy Health Clinic's Doctors Preferred Treatment for Neuropathy in Legs and Feet in Wilmington Manor, DE

People living with neuropathy have to deal with difficulties that most men and women in America don't ever think about. It's understandable, then, that they may become tired and even depressed because of their condition. That's where Kennedy Health Clinic steps in - to provide advanced neuropathy treatments and, ultimately, enhanced quality of life.

Neuropathy Treatment Wilmington Manor, DE

Some of our most popular neuropathy treatments include:

This device is designed to improve blood and oxygen flow, which in turn promotes optimal nerve and nervous system functionality. As a result of the healthy, oxygenated blood, damaged or weak nerve endings receive a rejuvenating boost, which may be experienced as a slight tingling sensation.

Did you know that infrared lights have amazing benefits for our bodies? They can help repair cells and improve the circulation of oxygen-rich blood, which in turn promotes faster healing of deep tissues and relieves pain.

For individuals dealing with diabetic neuropathy, the primary objective is to either reverse diabetes or decelerate its progression. Functional medicine involves incorporating lifestyle modifications to maintain blood sugar levels consistently at a healthy range, which all but eliminates diabetes. Choosing functional medicine recommendations is almost always preferred over invasive and more complicated treatments, and our team is here to help you get started.

Our providers may suggest advanced cellular therapy as a final option for those who have tried other treatments without success and are suitable candidates. This therapy can assist in improving the healing and treatment process of individuals who are experiencing neuropathy.

Living a life free of neuropathy symptoms doesn't have to be a pipe dream - it can be an achievable goal with the help of our advanced neuropathy therapies. Contact Kennedy Health Clinic today to schedule your free initial consultation. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to long-term recovery and pain relief.

Four Positive Ways to Manage Stress from Nerve Pain

Living with nerve pain can be incredibly challenging. If you've been experiencing it for a long time, you may feel hopeless, sad, angry, or even depressed due to the constant pain. This can cause you to withdraw from the people you are close to and stop doing the things you used to enjoy. If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of your nerve pain, here are three suggestions on how to take charge of your emotions and gain new perspectives.

 Neuropathy Clinic Wilmington Manor, DE

Invest in Self-Care

Surrounding yourself with friends, family, and supportive people is essential for your well-being. Engage in activities that make you happy and bring you joy. You should also consider exploring mentally stimulating activities like reading books or solving puzzles. It is important to maintain balance in your life and focus on your overall well-being - not a single body part affected by neuropathy.

 Neuropathy Doctor Wilmington Manor, DE

Control What You're Able to Control

Reducing inflammatory foods can improve physical and mental health. Try decreasing or eliminating dairy, gluten, or products with sugar. If neuropathy is affecting day-to-day activities like sleeping, try making small changes. Adjustments like wearing thick socks can alleviate nerve pain and discomfort and help you sleep better. Also, try to establish a routine to focus on daily tasks and goals. Doing so can help you deal with and prevent depression and emotional distress. Last but not least, try to stay positive and hopeful. An effective treatment for your neuropathy might be closer than you imagine.

 Neuropathy Therapy Wilmington Manor, DE

Talk About Your Feelings with Friends, Family, and Counselors

It's important to be honest with your loved ones about how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally. They can offer support, listen to you, and help you cope. You may also benefit from talking to a professional counselor for objective guidance on managing your physical pain. The biggest takeaway here is to express how you're feeling - don't bottle it up inside. It will only make your condition worse.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Wilmington Manor, DE

Seek Help from Neuropathy Doctors

You don't have to live with nerve pain. Kennedy Health Clinic offers several effective solutions for treating neuropathy. Our doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Wilmington Manor, DE improves blood flow, relieves pain, and can help give you a new lease on life. These aren't fly-by-night treatments. They're proven to be effective for neuropathy.

Trust Kennedy Health for Doctors Preferred Treatment for Neuropathy in Legs and Feet in Wilmington Manor, DE

At Kennedy Health Clinic, we're dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of our patients. We offer effective pain management treatments and holistic healing options to provide comprehensive care. Our commitment to our patients has made us a trusted partner in health and wellness - and we're ready to help you, too.

If you're suffering from nerve pain or other symptoms due to neuropathy, it's time to seek professional help. Our advanced neuropathy treatments are tailored to your body, your health needs, and your neuropathy goals. That way, we can give you the most effective and efficient care possible. When you trust our team of knowledgeable doctors, you're taking the first step toward a normal life without the painful surprises caused by neuropathy. Contact our office today to get started.

Latest News in Wilmington Manor, DE

Residents of Wilmington apartment complex urged to relocate due to lack of heating, hot water

Wilmington's Department of L&I declared the building unfit in mid-December, but temporary fixes were made.Residents of Wilmington apartment complex urged to relocate due to lack of heating, hot waterWILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) -- Residents of Herring Manor Apartments in Wilmington, Delaware are being urged to relocate due to a broken HVAC system.The apartment complex, located on the 2400 block of North Market Street, was recently declared unfit for human habitation due to a lack of heat and hot water.In a pres...

Wilmington's Department of L&I declared the building unfit in mid-December, but temporary fixes were made.

Residents of Wilmington apartment complex urged to relocate due to lack of heating, hot water

WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) -- Residents of Herring Manor Apartments in Wilmington, Delaware are being urged to relocate due to a broken HVAC system.

The apartment complex, located on the 2400 block of North Market Street, was recently declared unfit for human habitation due to a lack of heat and hot water.

In a press release sent out Tuesday, Wilmington officials announced the following:

"Wilmington's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) today directed the Union Baptist Community Corporation, the owner of the Herring Manor apartment complex on North Market Street, to immediately find alternative housing for approximately 30 tenants because of a lack of heat and hot water."

The release went on to say, "The City had no choice but to inform the management company and HUD [US Department of Housing and Urban Development] that the building's residents must be relocated by this evening."

Wilmington's Department of L&I declared the building unfit in mid-December, but temporary fixes were made.

"There's no heat in peoples' apartments, people are using radiators and ovens, and it makes us pay a higher electric bill," said tenant Paul Davis.

Some residents say despite the apartment's issues, they fear relocating for several reasons.

"I'm not staying in a hotel for two weeks, that's how you get bed bugs," said tenant Kimberly Sudler.

"Somebody could break into your house and take your furniture, why would I leave my furniture?" Davis questioned.

The 41-unit complex has had a recent history of problems with a malfunctioning heating and hot water system.

Action News spoke with on-site building management, who said vandals stole parts in December and they are currently working with their vendors to fix the problem.

Additionally, they are working to relocate the affected residents, but they can't force people out of their units.

Read the full statement released by Wilmington officials:

"Wilmington's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) today directed the Union Baptist Community Corporation, the owner of the Herring Manor apartment complex on North Market Street, to immediately find alternative housing for approximately 30 tenants because of a lack of heat and hot water. The apartments are managed by AJPC Property Management and tenants' monthly rents are subsidized by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which is cooperating with the City and assisting with the relocation of the residents.The 41-unit complex has had a recent history of problems with a malfunctioning heating and hot water system. Before today, the building was most recently declared unfit by L&I in mid-December; however, repairs were made quickly by the management company and residents did not have to be displaced.Late last week, after the latest system failure, the City determined that the management company was not properly addressing the problem. Mayor Mike Purzycki, hoping to avoid tenants having to be displaced, then directed on Friday that the City bring in an HVAC contractor to fix the system. HUD was informed of the City's decision to bring in a private contractor.After several attempts at a permanent fix failed, the contractor told the City today that a short-term repair is not possible without new parts and a service overhaul. With that, the City had no choice but to inform the management company and HUD that the building's residents must be relocated by this evening. HUD directed the management company to relocate the residents and the management company told HUD it is relocating residents to the homes of family members as well as to other available temporary housing, such as hotels and motels, until the heat and hot water system is repaired. The Mayor today thanked HUD for assisting with today's situation at Herring Manor."

Wilmington inspectors OK residents' return to Herring Manor after 'unfit' declaration

Wilmington officials allowed residents of Herring Manor to return to their apartments Friday after condemning the 41-unit apartment complex earlier this week for a lack of heat and hot water.Wilmington officials said they lifted the Department of Licenses and Inspections’ unfit declaration, but two violation notices remain in place until the building owner and management company make “permanent repairs by the close of business on Monday.”The apartment’s heating and hot water system was ins...

Wilmington officials allowed residents of Herring Manor to return to their apartments Friday after condemning the 41-unit apartment complex earlier this week for a lack of heat and hot water.

Wilmington officials said they lifted the Department of Licenses and Inspections’ unfit declaration, but two violation notices remain in place until the building owner and management company make “permanent repairs by the close of business on Monday.”

The apartment’s heating and hot water system was inspected by city officials Friday, and inspectors determined the building safe for residents to return.

The apartment complex, located on North Market Street in Wilmington, provides affordable housing for seniors and those with disabilities. It was condemned by the city Tuesday.

Wilmington building inspectors ordered the owner Union Baptist Community Corp. to find housing for 30 Herring Manor residents as a result. City officials said “only a handful of residents chose to relocate.”

RELATED:Wilmington apartment building declared unfit after owners fail to fix heat, provide hot water

“Prior to this week, the building was declared unfit by (Licenses and Inspections) in mid-December,” a Friday city news release reads. “However, repairs were made quickly by the management company and residents did not have to be displaced.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development subsidized complex is managed by AJPC Property Management, a property management firm that oversees several other federally subsidized housing complexes in Delaware.

Herring Manor’s long-term problems

While city officials said the apartment complex’s problems with heating are a recent development, interviews with tenants indicate a long-term problem.

CODE ENFORCEMENT:Wilmington landlord must pay $33K in fines after failing to repair Adams Street apartments

Herring Manor residents say service for heat and hot water has been unreliable during the cold weather months for years, and in recent months, they’ve gone weeks without heat or hot water.

Wilmington officials said HUD assisted with the relocation of some Herring Manor residents and ensured repairs “were made in a timely fashion.”

A Delaware Online/The News Journal reporter visited the apartment complex on Jan. 4 after receiving complaints about a lack of heat and hot water, and found working heat and hot water in several units.

City Licenses and Inspections records show Herring Manor has received 88 violation notices since 2007. Most “were for water heater issues, faulty plumbing, insect and rodent issues, mold and mildew” and needing to replace electrical outlets and repair walls and ceilings.

HOME RENOS:Amid the housing shortage, why is renovating homes in Wilmington so expensive?

A separate HUD inspection report for the years 2014 to 2019 shows that the building was cited for several violations related to fire protection, electrical hazards and rodents.

Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

Wilmington mayor announces plan to save historic mansion and gardens

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki announces the city's plan to save the Gibraltar mansion and Marian Coffin gardens.Gibraltar is a historic site in Wilmington’s Highlands neighborhood. It houses the Marian Coffin gardens, named for the famous landscape architect who designed them.Coffin was an early 20th century landscape architect who took part in the design of the University of Delaware’s campus, as well as other prominent Delaware landmarks.Purzycki lives directly adjacent to the property in the city’s ...

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki announces the city's plan to save the Gibraltar mansion and Marian Coffin gardens.

Gibraltar is a historic site in Wilmington’s Highlands neighborhood. It houses the Marian Coffin gardens, named for the famous landscape architect who designed them.

Coffin was an early 20th century landscape architect who took part in the design of the University of Delaware’s campus, as well as other prominent Delaware landmarks.

Purzycki lives directly adjacent to the property in the city’s Highlands neighborhood, and says it’s a valuable community asset currently going to waste.

“For me to look at Gibraltar, in the wretched state that it’s been allowed to exist in in the last 25 years, is unforgivable to me,” said Purzycki.

His plan to save Gibraltar involves public-private ownership, as well as rezoning the property.

The current owners would turn the property over to the city, which would subdivide the property adjacent to the mansion to build 5 single-family homes.

The city will also contract with 9SDC to develop the site - with the garages located near the entrance of the garden being rezoned for commercial use, while the mansion remains residential.

Both of those points of the plan have made residents wary, though Purzycki notes this compromise with current owners will help improvements to the site get underway much faster, which is needed for the deteriorating mansion and gardens.

Puzycki also promises strong public management and oversight of the entire process.

“There's no chance that I would let anything be built over there that I didn’t personally take to a process of approval, not just me, but make sure that it works to the community, and that it kind of blends in with the community. So that would be number one,” he explained. “The other thing is, yeah, I think I would be very involved in what kind of uses are allowed in the garages.”

The city is partnering with local preservationists to assure that no major changes are made to the mansion or the gardens.

While discussions are ongoing, the plan states the historic gardens will be improved and maintained by agreement by the city, 9SDC and Preservation Delaware.

The gardens will remain free to the public.

Read Mayor Purzycki's letter to residents below:

Wilmington's historic Brown House gets a reprieve

Wilmington city officials have dropped their bid to demolish a historic mansion in Browntown and replace it with a development of up to 40 townhouses.In an emailed message Thursday to members of the John A. Brown Mansion Task Force, Herb M. Inden, the city’s director of planning and development, said “demolition is not currently being considered for this property [and] we do not have any developer interest that we are considering at this time.”Inden’s message was sent a day after about 35 Browntown resid...

Wilmington city officials have dropped their bid to demolish a historic mansion in Browntown and replace it with a development of up to 40 townhouses.

In an emailed message Thursday to members of the John A. Brown Mansion Task Force, Herb M. Inden, the city’s director of planning and development, said “demolition is not currently being considered for this property [and] we do not have any developer interest that we are considering at this time.”

Inden’s message was sent a day after about 35 Browntown residents and preservation advocates met outside the mansion on Seventh Avenue to rally in support of their efforts.

“We are interested in your ideas for adaptive reuse as well as housing ideas for the surrounding property, and of course, how this all could be funded,” Inden wrote.

“This is our first win. They’re willing to discuss with us,” said Vince Watchorn, a member of the task force, which formed in the wake of a February hearing of the city’s Design Review and Preservation Commission in which city officials sought approval for demolishing the mansion as the first step toward a redevelopment plan that could lead to the construction of townhouses on the site. After hearing concerns from residents and preservationists and noting that the city had not met all requirements of the law, the commission deferred action on the city’s request.

The task force, Watchorn said, is a collaboration of individuals with interrelated priorities. Some want the mansion preserved because of its history, others are concerned about the impact of a major construction project in the neighborhood, and others would like to see the mansion transformed into a facility for community use. Members are not opposed to construction of some new housing, but they do not support anything near the 40 units previously contemplated by the city, he said.

On March 31, the task force, organized with the support of the Preservation Delaware nonprofit, sent a letter to Mayor Mike Purzycki, members of City Council and an array of city, New Castle County and state officials. The letter stated that the group wanted to “encourage a design that includes the mansion in a format that is part of a larger vision.” The letter cited three distinct concerns: historic preservation, respect for the needs and interests of Browntown residents and making the mansion the centerpiece of a revitalized community.

“Our hope is a win-win-win solution that will work for Browntown, the city budget, and the preservation of this important historical resource,” Watchorn wrote to Inden on Thursday, on behalf of the task force.

“We’ve stepped back after listening to previous concerns,” John Rago, Purzycki’s deputy chief of staff, said Friday. “We are open to ideas about preserving the mansion as well as housing proposals that are compatible with neighborhood needs. This effort is focused entirely on the best way to preserve and strengthen a proud city neighborhood.”

The mansion, built about 200 years ago, was named “The Anchorage,” by its second owner, John Gallagher, a Navy captain who served in the War of 1812. The Browntown neighborhood derives its name from the mansion’s fourth owner, Dr. John A. Brown, who lived there from 1848 to 1856 and was known as a humanitarian who operated hospitals and was dedicated to improving the lives of the physically and mentally ill.

In his message, Inden hinted that the city would like to avoid delays in developing new plans for the site. “We do not want this property to languish like Gibraltar still is,” he wrote, referring to the former H. Rodney Sharp mansion on Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilmington. Its condition has deteriorated since it last had permanent residents in 1991. Preservation Delaware owned the property from 1997 to 2010 but was unable to put together a successful redevelopment plan.

Delaware's House of Laffs closes after less than 2 years. Here's what went wrong.

Andre LamarThe owner of the House of Laffs comedy lounge wasn’t joking when he recently announced his business officially closed after a nearly two-year run in Wilmington with big entertainers.Owner U’Gundi Jacobs broke the news in a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page on Dec. 14.“I have intentionally been quiet lately as I heal and navi...

Andre Lamar

The owner of the House of Laffs comedy lounge wasn’t joking when he recently announced his business officially closed after a nearly two-year run in Wilmington with big entertainers.

Owner U’Gundi Jacobs broke the news in a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page on Dec. 14.

“I have intentionally been quiet lately as I heal and navigate through the recent closing of Wilmington's Premier Comedy Lounge & Event Center ... House of Laffs,” Jacobs wrote.

The post came weeks after Jacobs was evicted from the Wilmington building at 1206 N. Union St.

His landlords Frank Pagliaro, owner of the neighboring business FranksWine, and his wife, Colleen, told Delaware Online/The News Journal that they didn’t have any other choice but to take Jacobs to court. They said he owes $270,000 in back rent, plus other fees such as legal, utilities, water and sewage, real estate tax and insurance.

The final show at the House of Laffs went out with a bang with headline comedian Tommy Davidson of “In Living Color” fame on Nov. 27.

Costly renovations and the pandemic doomed the comedy club

In April 2019, Jacob signed a sublease that took effect in May 2019. The contract was through 2039.

Jacobs, a seasoned veteran who began promoting comedy shows over 30 years ago, said he dug himself into a financial hole early on, and the pandemic took the situation from bad to ugly overnight.

The Wilmington native said his original plan was to renovate the building and open for business around the holiday season in 2019. But after signing the lease, Jacobs said, he had trouble getting materials and ran into other unexpected problems during the renovations.

New comedy lounge: It aims to tickle Wilmington

The landlords said they tried to help him cut down on his renovation expenses by not charging him rent for the first six months of his lease. Jacobs said he spent $400,000 to renovate the club.

The House of Laffs opened Super Bowl Sunday in February 2021. But the venue was operating under COVID-19 restrictions.

Jacobs said his biggest hurdle in running the House of Laffs was battling the pandemic. There were COVID-19 restrictions, plus he noticed many people still were cautious about returning to entertainment venues.

For a short time, his business was the premier comedy lounge in Wilmington.

He attracted big names like comedians Michael Blackson; brothers Joe and Guy Torry; Pierre Edwards; and Sommore, one of the Queens of Comedy.

In 2021, he hosted a packed house for the NBA draft party of Wilmington native Nah'Shon "Bones" Hyland. The place went crazy when the Denver Nuggets drafted Bones with the 26th pick in the first round.

This past spring the House of Laffs was featured on an episode of NBC’s new “American Song Contest,” a singing competition that featured soul-rock singer Nitro Nitra, a fellow Wilmington native.

He said his business didn't start to turn a corner until September of 2022. But by that time it was too late.

Meanwhile, Jacobs said he's staying positive. He was recently networking in Texas about looking into the possibility of future ventures. But he didn't have anything set in stone.

More entertainment stories

Before the House of Laffs: Lots of Wilmington clubs were in this location

Delaware's NYE ideas for 2023:Here are 15 cool ways to celebrate the New Year, including a rooftop party

'Clerks' legend Kevin Smith: He shows love to Wilmington actress starring in QVC holiday film

Delaware actor: He clowns around in new Tom Hanks film

University of Delaware TikTok star: Sings with Straight No Chaser on ABC's 'GMA3'

31,000 Christmas lights: This Delaware home shimmers like crazy

Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at [email protected].

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.