Old School New School

Thoughtful renovation of Pierre S. du Pont School in Wilmington returns pride to an architectural landmark.

Published January 14, 2009 at 08:20 AM

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Fields of Dreams

Wilmington’s historic Tower Hill School has gotten some state-of-the-art athletic fields, thanks in large part to one generous contributor.

Developer Frank Acierno, president of Allied Properties (which brought us Concord Mall, Christiana Town Center and Concord Gallery) donated $1 million to the school’s campaign, pushing it tantalizingly close to its $12 million goal. When construction is complete, Tower Hill fields will be some of the best around, with synthetic Field Turf, new bleachers, announcers’ booths and stadium lighting.

The 90-year-old school has been rehabbing its campus piece by piece over the past 15 years. It has added a new art room, music center and cafeteria, and it has upgraded classrooms. The athletics improvements are the capstone.

“It’s the feeling of completion, the last piece that’s important,” says school spokeswoman Nancy Schuckert. “We’ve been working the last 15 years to upgrade all the facilities, and this is the final piece of the puzzle.”

Acierno, the grandparent of a Tower Hill student, made the single largest contribution to the campaign. “I think the Acierno family has been very generous to the school,” Schuckert says. “And they recognized this was a great opportunity for the school.”

The improvements not only give Hillers athletes better soccer, football, field hockey and baseball fields, they give neighbors and passers-by a better view.

“For the community it’s a huge improvement,” Schuckert says. “Just the look of the surrounding area or for anyone driving down Pennsylvania Avenue.”

Look for Frank E. Acierno Fields, adjacent to Pennsylvania Avenue and Rising Sun Lane, this fall. —Matt Amis