Introducing “The Dean”: A New Chapter in Creek View Road’s Storied History

Lang Development Group is proud to announce the construction of a new residential building that represents the latest chapter in the rich history of Creek View Road. This project, named “The Dean” in honor of the historic Dean and Son Woolen Mill which once operated on this land, stands as a testament to the legacy of transformation and innovation that has defined this site for over three centuries.

A Historic Foundation: 1715 to the Early 20th Century

The story of industrialized Creek View Road began in 1715 when Samuel Johnson purchased a 233-acre tract and established grist and sawmills powered by the White Clay Creek. The site’s early industrial operations laid the groundwork for a flourishing community of entrepreneurship and hard work. By 1894, the property had evolved into a hub for manufacturing under the American Hard Fibre Company, which acquired the site from the Dean and Son woolen mill.

Hard fiber, also known as vulcanized fiber, was a revolutionary material with properties that made it stronger than leather, harder than rubber, and versatile for applications ranging from electrical insulation to industrial components. The invention fueled global advancements in electricity and industry, placing Creek View Road at the forefront of American industrial innovation.

From Industry to Modern Use

The National Vulcanized Fibre Company operated on the site until 1991, when the use of plastics made hard fiber wholly obsolete. After a fire damaged part of the building, the eastern wing was rebuilt using modern steel-reinforced concrete, while preserving the historic stone exterior. Over the decades, the site transitioned into mixed-use spaces, including restaurants, retail, offices, and residential areas, reflecting the community’s evolving needs.

In recent years, Lang Development Group has undertaken a comprehensive regeneration of this historic area, balancing heritage preservation with modern development. The addition of professional buildings, dining establishments, a live theater, and residential spaces has revitalized the site, making it a vibrant hub for contemporary living and commerce.

Introducing “The Dean”: Where History Meets Modern Luxury

The latest and most exciting development is the conversion of 500 Creek View into “The Dean,” an upscale modern industrial residential apartment complex. This transformation celebrates the building’s industrial roots while delivering luxurious amenities for today’s residents.

“The Dean” will feature:

  • Spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments designed with modern industrial aesthetics.
  • State-of-the-art amenities including a fitness center, community room, coffee bar, rooftop patio, and outdoor deck.
  • Sports courts to promote an active lifestyle.

 

This addition to Creek View Complex captures the spirit of adaptation and reinvention that has defined the site for centuries. Residents can expect a harmonious blend of historical character and contemporary comforts when the apartments become available in 2026.

Looking Ahead

The development of “The Dean” marks a significant milestone in the history of Creek View Road, bridging its industrial past with its promising future. As construction progresses, Lang Development Group remains committed to honoring the heritage of this remarkable site while creating a vibrant, sustainable community for generations to come.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of “The Dean” and join us in celebrating the rebirth of a historic landmark into a modern living space. With its unique blend of history and innovation, “The Dean” is set to become a cornerstone of the Creek View Complex’s legacy.

 

Uncovering the Rich History of 500 Creek View Drive: From Mill to Modern Living

Nestled along the scenic banks of White Clay Creek in Newark, DE, the historic building at 500 Creek View Drive is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Lang Development Group is converting this storied site into an upscale apartment complex, with availability anticipated in the third quarter of 2025. As we delve into this project, we have unearthed some fascinating documentation about its incredible history, adding a layer of depth and significance to our ongoing work.

A Rich Industrial Past

Originally constructed in 1890, the building at 500 Creek View Drive was first occupied by the American Hard Fiber Company, one of the few enterprises in the region producing vulcanized fiber, known as “hard fiber.” This entrepreneurial endeavor reflects Delaware’s early industrial economy and its evolution over time. The site itself sits on land rich with history, stretching back to the earliest inhabitants, the Lenni Lenape tribe.

The Lenni Lenape: Delaware’s Earliest Inhabitants

Long before the industrial era, the banks of White Clay Creek were home to the Lenni Lenape tribe. They established villages along the creek, cultivating crops such as corn, squash, beans, sweet potatoes, and tobacco. The Lenni Lenape were skilled artisans, creating pottery, clothes, beads, and other ornaments, and they lived in bark-covered longhouses. The lush setting provided by White Clay Creek offered abundant game, water, and fertile ground, supporting their vibrant community.

The Advent of Industry

In 1686, William Penn issued a land patent along White Clay Creek to John Ogle, who later sold a parcel to Thomas Meeter. Meeter founded Meeter’s Paper Mill, an industrial site just west of what became Papermill Road. The mill was later acquired by the Curtis brothers in 1848 and renamed Nonantum Paper Mill, after their hometown of Newton, MA.

Meanwhile, on the south bank of White Clay Creek, Joseph Dean started a woolen mill in 1845 on the land that now includes 500 Creek View Drive. Initially producing woolen yarn, the mill expanded to include looms for weaving fabric. Dean’s mill gained recognition for the quality of its products, receiving awards at the 1848 Franklin Institute Exhibition in Philadelphia, the 1853 World’s Fair, and the Baltimore and Maryland Institute in 1859.

A Turning Point: The Great Fire of 1887

Tragedy struck in December 1887 when a fire broke out, consuming the mill’s contents. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the mill was destroyed. This event marked a turning point, leading to the construction of the current building at 500 Creek View Drive by the American Hard Fiber Company in 1894. This structure is the first of several phases that have stood the test of time.

A New Era: From Industrial Hub to Modern Living

Today, the entire area of the National Vulcanized Fibre complex along the southern shore of White Clay Creek has been repurposed by Lang Development Group into a mixed-use space. This vibrant area now hosts restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, and residential spaces, and serves as the headquarters for Lang Development Group. The transformation of 500 Creek View Drive into an upscale apartment complex is a testament to our commitment to preserving the rich history of the site while creating modern living spaces.

As we continue our work on this project, we are inspired by the legacy of entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation that defines 500 Creek View Drive. We look forward to welcoming residents to this unique blend of history and contemporary living in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this remarkable vision to life.