Starting in late summer 2010, after a thorough analysis of the feasibility of rehabilitating and re-using The Murphy House, The Nemours Foundation determined that such efforts would not be financially feasible for the property located at 1601 Rockland Road.
Subsequently, Nemours proceeded through the public process for obtaining the necessary approvals from the county to demolish the property. As part of this process, Nemours advertised a request for proposals from those interested in relocating The Murphy House. The advertisements ran for a period of three months, however no proposals were received.
In August 2011, following inquiries from interested individuals and meetings with federal and state officials, Nemours, again for a period of three months, advertised seeking requests for proposals from qualified organizations or individuals who could present an acceptable plan for relocation or re-use of The Murphy House. Additionally, Nemours offered $50,000 to a successful tax-exempt applicant to help offset the costs associated with relocating or reusing the property.
Only one proposal was received from a consortium of non-profit groups and individuals led by Delaware Greenways, Inc., proposing the rehabilitation of the structure for the storage and rental of bicycles to be used on the greenway trails in the area.
Following an extensive review of the proposal, The Nemours Foundation concluded that the proposal did not make a credible case as to the organization’s ability to successfully carry out the project described in the proposal.