4,000 Square Feet of Retail Potential Opens Up in Dover’s New Creative Hub
- sophiewiss
- Oct 30
- 1 min read
We’ve been updating all of you for months on the progress being made on the Sussex- and Blackwell-facing sides of the Richards Building, but there’s another major part of this building that has not been discussed much.
In August, Rent-A-Center unexpectedly vacated the 4,000-square-foot space on the corner of Warren and Bassett—leaving behind a rare opportunity for a new retail vision to take root in downtown Dover.
Now, as we dive deep into renovations and reimagine the Richards Building as a hub for creative businesses, artists, and students, we’re faced with an exciting new challenge:
What will become of the former Rent-A-Center space?
Current View of Rent-A-Center Space
Set in the historic Richards Building, this space blends Dover’s legacy
as a manufacturing hub with its future as an incubator of creativity.
Future Rendering of the Rent-A-Center Space on the Corner of Bassett Hwy and Warren St
Our goal remains clear: to keep the Richards Building a cohesive, vibrant space where creativity and commerce intersect. This vacancy isn’t just a gap—it’s an empty canvas. And we’d love your feedback to help us paint the next chapter.
What type of retailer would you like to see open up in Downtown Dover?
- Art Supplier
- Stationery Store
- Frame Shop
- Outpost of a local brewery
- Bookstore
- Toy Shop
- A combination of two or more of the above
Leave your thoughts and/or suggestions in the comments!
Definitely agree with a coffee shop/bookshop combination.
A bookstore, coffee shop, cafe. Similar to B&N but cozy and welcoming able to host book signing events.
An art store, stationery store or a combo of any of the options.
My dream would be an art supply store and a stationery store, and if you want bowl me over? Add a bookstore to the mix - I'll never leave!!!!
Stationary/ Gift Shop