Page 26 - Bernardon Response to Request for Proposal-Dennis Farm

Cooch Homestead Complex

Owner/User: State of Delaware Division of Historical & The Cooch Homestead includes the main house, eight
Cultural Affairs historic outbuildings, and a modern tenant house. The
main house and historic agricultural outbuildings will
Location: Newark, Delaware
be restored for historic interpretation. The design will
Design Statement: The Cooch Homestead became the respect the important historical character defining features
setting for the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, the opening battle while providing public access and creating an appropriate,
of the British campaign to capture Philadelphia. The Battle climate-controlled environment for displaying important
of Cooch’s Bridge holds the distinction of being the only historic artifacts. The first floor of the main house will be
Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware. the primary setting for public tours and exhibits. Modern
lighting, data, security, and mechanical climate control
In the spring of 2019, the State of Delaware purchased the systems will be carefully integrated into building’s historic
10-acre core of the Cooch Homestead from descendants fabric. The agricultural outbuildings will require thoughtful
of the Cooch family. The state previously purchased design solutions to allow the public to experience them
easements on large tracts of land surrounding the in a meaningful way. Meeting ADA accessibility and code
Homestead. The Bernardon Team has been retained to requirements for public facilities, while preserving the
assist the State with the near-term goal of preserving historic character of the structures will be critical.
the site, the Cooch family home, and its associated
agricultural outbuildings. The long-term objective is to
open the overall property to public use, highlighting its
open space and historic significance.

www.bernardon.com