Our Vision
By transforming the New Machine Shop at Hagley Museum and Library into a court tennis facility, this project will:
Preserve the architectural integrity of a historic landmark;
Showcase its industrial history and distinctive position in the DuPont Company’s gunpowder manufacturing along the Brandywine River; and
Adaptively renovate the building’s interior into an open-to-the-public facility that connects its storied past to a dynamic future through the game of court tennis.
Eight individuals with close ties to the Wilmington, Delaware community propose this project. Their shared values include a strong commitment to preserving the heritage of the New Machine Shop and a passion for playing court tennis.
Historic preservation of the New Machine Shop is the foundation of this project and provides the unique opportunity to promote court tennis, grow its player base, and make the sport more accessible.
The proposed court tennis facility will include one court, locker rooms, a shop, an exercise room, and multi-functional viewing and reception areas. With the aim of making the sport affordable and accessible to the general public, the business model for the facility identifies an array of revenue generating streams: pay-to-play and membership fees, clinics and lessons, retail operation, and catered rental events.
Our plan is to lease the building from Hagley, the site of the gunpowder works founded by E.I. du Pont in 1802 which has operated as a world-class 501(c)(3) museum since 1957 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Hagley has expressed interest in entering a 99-year lease, which paves the way for sustained investment in the facility and its programs.
Strengths and Opportunities
The Brandywine Court Tennis project offers the potential to create a thriving court tennis program. The New Machine Shop’s architectural features—its expansive space, structural integrity, and raised, windowed roof allowing abundant natural light—are remarkably similar to those of court tennis facilities. Furthermore, the location provides easy access to major travel hubs (including local airports and Amtrak) and is situated in a community renowned for outstanding attractions such as Hagley, Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, Nemours Estate, and Winterthur.
With over 25 schools and approximately 15,000 students within a 10-mile radius, Brandywine Court Tennis can create pathways for youth involvement through junior programs and high school teams led by the Brandywine Court Tennis Professional. Local country clubs with vibrant tennis, squash, and platform/paddle tennis communities present more opportunities to expand the player pool.
Also, the proximity to other court tennis facilities, particularly the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, will promote interclub play and provide additional court availability. Brandywine Court Tennis will enthusiastically host major USCTA events and welcome players from other clubs, domestic and overseas.
