Brookside: Settlement History and Architecture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Brookside, its settlement and architectural history can help you understand the character of the destination. Brookside is a planned community in an unincorporated area of New Castle County, next to the city of Newark.

Brookside as a Planned Community

Brookside began developing in 1951; the community was founded in 1952. It took shape along Marrows Road, north of Chestnut Hill Road, also known as Delaware Route 4. The two years mark different milestones: the start of development and the community’s founding. Historically, the area included a business street and two places of worship, as well as homes. The landscape of the time also included recreational areas with a swimming pool, playgrounds, ball fields, and a recreation center. These facilities describe Brookside’s historical development; they should not be taken as a statement about current operations.

Homes and Architectural Details

The original homes measured 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, were built on a slab, and had one bathroom and two or three bedrooms. In addition to these details about size and layout, there are example homes built at different costs: they were constructed along Kirkwood Highway and still stand east of Polly Drummond Hill Road. Both the original home dimensions and the examples of different costs are part of the community’s building history.

A distinctive building is Kingswood United Methodist Church. Considered a landmark of the Brookside neighborhood, it was built between 1954 and 1955. Brick and limestone define the building; its spire is made of translucent green plastic, which once directed a beam of light. Architectural historians are also interested in changes to the homes occupied by their owners. In particular, alterations to the standardized carports draw attention to how the homes have changed beyond their original form.

Community Use and Open Spaces

The Brookside Community Center can be rented by residents and nonresidents alike for private events, such as celebrations, meetings, receptions, or other gatherings. This is a distinct aspect of the area, alongside its settlement and building history.

In the wider Brookside area, White Clay Creek State Park offers 3,689 acres of scenic, recreational open space and nearly 40 miles of trails. The area around Brookside also offers plenty of green space in Newark: the city has more than 19 miles of trails and 36 parks, with a combined total of more than 700 acres of parkland, including Newark Reservoir. The figures for Newark refer to an urban trail network and multiple parks; White Clay Creek State Park is described in terms of its own acreage and trails. Keeping these different scales and areas of reference distinct can help with trip planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hockessin, Brandywine, Christiana, New Castle, Bear, Newark, Claymont, Delaware City.

For the broader travel guide: New Castle County.