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.
