Come join us along with the mayor’s office, councilmen and local officials for a Demolition party. Casale Construction is tearing down Katies Restaurant to make way for another new project. Six new town-homes on Scott, W 6th and also on Lincoln Streets. Marketed by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Fox & Roach Realtors.
Enjoy Food by Pastabilities and music presented by WJBR.
By Adam Zewe
Posted Nov. 12, 2010 @ 12:01 am
Updated Nov 12, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Hockessin, Del.
Hockessin resident Anthony Casale, president of Casale Construction, was recently named Entrepreneur of the Year in the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation’s 2010 CityLife Awards. He’ll receive the award during a Nov. 30 ceremony. Casale shared some of his entrepreneurial ideas with the Community News.
Q) Why do you think you were selected to receive the award?
A) First, I would like to thank the Wilmington Renaissance Corp. for even considering me for this award. I am humbled and honored. I believe I was selected because of my loyalty and partnership with Wilmington. I was born and raised in Wilmington, I started my business 24 years ago in Wilmington and continue to operate within the city limits today. I have built many homes and commercial buildings throughout Wilmington and have worked with the three past mayoral administrations on housing in our City. At 23, I completed my first city project with a loan from then-Mayor Dan Frawley.
Q) What are the biggest challenges facing the residential construction industry right now?
A) The challenge to the residential construction market is a perfect storm. All economic factors directly impact residential construction, and they are all weak at best. Banks and lending institutions are very hesitant to lend, unemployment is high, the foreclosure rate is high, supply is high. The challenge to the developer is to balance risk with reward very carefully. The opportunity for a good deal is there, but you must be prepared to see this through. The overnight win is over.
Q) What is exciting about the Christina Overlook project (which Casale Construction broke ground on in June)?
A) Christina Overlook is a 40-unit townhome project bordering the city’s Riverfront area. It is important to note that some city approvals are pending to move forward, but we expect them soon. Anytime such a large project is introduced within the city limits, it is exciting. The ability to transform or reshape a part of a city community is electric. The Overlook project was a collaboration of the community, the Wilmington Housing Partnership and City Council Members Kevin Kelly and Charles Freel.
Q) How do you hope the construction of Christina Overlook impacts the greater Wilmington community?
A) Christiana Overlook, along with our other newly completed City of Wilmington projects have extreme impact on the Wilmington community. It brings homeownership to our communities along with expanding the tax base. It is a fact, that homeownership promotes a safer city and economic stimulus. If your community has more homeowners than renters, you are more likely to be in a cleaner, safer environment.
Q) What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
A) I enjoy many of the elements of my work. I guess, as many entrepreneurs would probably agree (not sure they would all admit it), I enjoy the struggle. If you are in your own business, you probably invest most of your time in it. Your family adapts to your dedication and most of your life revolves around it. The business will require a 24/7 mentality to be successful, and you must be willing to give it.
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