For decades, the bright orange Dolle’s sign stood as a symbol of Rehoboth Beach’s charm, greeting visitors with a sense of nostalgia and seaside tradition.
Now, as the city embarks on a new phase of redevelopment, that familiar landmark is giving way to something new.
The project marks not just the transformation of a building, but the evolution of an entire stretch of the boardwalk that continues to define the character of Delaware’s most popular beach town.
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A Landmark Says Goodbye
Orange demolition signs now stand where generations of visitors once lined up for saltwater taffy, marking the end of an era for the Dolle’s building on Rehoboth Beach’s north end.
The property, long recognized by its bright red “Dolle’s” sign, is being prepared for demolition to make way for a four-story hotel that will reshape one of Delaware’s most famous boardwalk corners.
Approved earlier this year, the One Rehoboth Avenue Hotel project will feature 60 hotel rooms and ground-floor retail spaces designed to maintain the boardwalk’s vibrant, walkable atmosphere.
City officials are currently coordinating with the developer and contractors to finalize a demolition date, which is expected to be announced soon.
What’s Coming Next
Renderings displayed at the site hint at a mix of nostalgia and renewal. Once construction wraps up, several beloved boardwalk businesses will return to familiar spots:
- Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard will set up along Rehoboth Avenue, continuing a tradition that’s delighted beachgoers for decades.
- Grotto Pizza, another Rehoboth staple, will occupy the prominent corner space.
- Whiskey Jacks, a new restaurant concept, will join the lineup, bringing something fresh to the area’s dining scene.
The goal of the redevelopment is to preserve the lively boardwalk experience while modernizing its infrastructure to meet growing tourism demands.
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Balancing Nostalgia and Progress
For locals, saying goodbye to Dolle’s is bittersweet. The candy shop’s towering sign and old-fashioned charm were synonymous with summer memories at Rehoboth Beach.
Yet for many residents, the project represents a necessary evolution that will strengthen the local economy and enhance the overall visitor experience.
City officials and residents see the redevelopment as an opportunity to blend modern amenities with the boardwalk’s distinctive coastal character, ensuring that while the look of the area may change, its spirit remains the same.
A New Chapter for the Boardwalk
The upcoming redevelopment of the Dolle’s site is part of a larger wave of investment along the Delaware coast.
Rehoboth Beach has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by tourism, local entrepreneurship, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at keeping the area competitive with other East Coast beach towns.
As the city moves forward, community members hope the project will serve as a model for how development can honor local heritage while supporting long-term growth.
The familiar names returning to the new hotel’s retail space are a promising sign that Rehoboth’s signature charm isn’t going anywhere, it’s simply being reimagined.
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Looking Ahead
While demolition marks the end of a chapter, it also signals new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
The revitalization of the Dolle’s corner is expected to attract more visitors year-round and strengthen Rehoboth Beach’s reputation as a top coastal destination.
Change is never easy for a community steeped in tradition, but the upcoming project shows that Rehoboth Beach is ready to evolve without losing what makes it special.
Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on Rehoboth Beach’s boardwalk redevelopment and other projects shaping Delaware’s coastal towns. Follow us to discover what’s next for the region’s most beloved destinations!
Source: Coast TV