Demolition is set to begin on the future site of the highly anticipated One Rehoboth Avenue Hotel, a 60-room development backed by Grotto Pizza and Onix Group.
The project will transform a full block from Rehoboth Avenue to Baltimore Avenue, right along the Boardwalk.
What’s Being Demolished
On March 21st, the city issued demolition notices for three key structures:
- Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard (5 Rehoboth Ave.)
- Sirocco Hotel (2 Baltimore Ave.)
- Grotto Pizza (9 North Boardwalk)
Demolition will be carried out in that order and is scheduled to be completed before the city’s seasonal moratorium begins on May 15th.
Kohr Brothers will temporarily relocate to the old luncheonette space on the Boardwalk for summer 2025.
Additional demolitions, including the former Dolle’s Candyland and Zelky’s Beach Arcade, are planned for this fall.
Full construction is set to begin in October and should wrap up in time for a grand opening in May 2027.
Hotel and Lifeguard HQ: Construction Coordination
The city is also working on completing its new Rehoboth Beach Patrol headquarters near Baltimore Avenue.
Although the projects couldn’t be executed simultaneously due to earlier delays, city officials are now coordinating closely with both construction teams to avoid overlap and disruption.
Other Demolitions Around the City
In addition to the hotel project, Rehoboth Beach has issued seven other demolition notices this year, including:
- Former Jam Bistro building at 21 Baltimore Ave. (future hotel site)
- Single-family homes on Pennsylvania Ave., Philadelphia St., Cookman St., Norfolk St., Columbia Ave., and Country Club Drive
Fast Fact: Since April 2012, the city has issued 316 demolition permits. March remains the most active month for these approvals.
Update
The City of Rehoboth Beach has granted an early demolition exception for the Sirocco Motel and Grotto Pizza buildings, part of the upcoming One Rehoboth Avenue Hotel project.
Originally, demolition was not scheduled to begin until April 21 due to a mandatory 30-day waiting period after permit issuance.
However, an independent engineering report identified hazardous structural issues in the motel, prompting city officials to allow demolition as early as April 9 in the interest of public safety.
Work will pause on April 12 and during Easter weekend, and will start with the removal of the beach store in front of the Sirocco Motel.
According to Grotto Pizza President Jeff Gosnear, heavy demolition will begin closer to the week of April 14, following some preliminary setup.
All debris and activity will remain on-site, and the area will be regraded and cleaned up in time for the summer season, with fencing added for safety.
Key structures like the old Dolle’s building and Zelky’s Arcade will remain intact through the summer.
However, the demolition may continue to impact nearby Baltimore Avenue, especially the sidewalk adjacent to the construction site.
Stay in the Loop
This hotel project marks a significant transformation for Rehoboth Beach and its boardwalk.
From updated accommodations to revitalized retail spaces, it’s shaping up to be a game-changer for locals and visitors alike.
Want more updates on what’s happening in coastal Delaware? Follow our blog and join the conversation!
Source: Cape Gazette