Daiseys open the doors of their new house

The home at 331 Chestnut St. in Lewes is now simply known as the Daisey House.

The new dwelling is synonymous with the family who fought long and hard for the right to demolish their old house and build a new one.

The Daiseys opened their home May 7, as a way to thank the community for its support.

“This is a celebration to show our appreciation to everyone who helped us achieve our parents’ goals and wishes here in Lewes,” said Darnell Daisey. 

He said their emotional journey began in 2020, when they started speaking to their father, William Daisey, about what they should do with the three properties he owned: 331 Chestnut St., 111 Coleman Ave. and 333 Savannah Road.

The family’s patriarch was adamant that they keep the properties to ensure the next generation of his family remains connected to the town. The elder Daisey died in 2021, before the fight began.

Darnell Daisey said they decided to address 331 Chestnut St. first, because it was the biggest of the lots. Because their properties are located in the city’s historic district, any exterior changes are subject to review by the historic preservation architectural review commission. They filed an application with HPARC in 2022.

Daisey said that is where their plans hit a brick wall.

“We thought that we should be able to get this easily approved. Boy, were we wrong,” Daisey said. “We realized that we have stepped into a much bigger issue in Lewes. We were completely unaware of the then net reel controversy and the fact that a once-thriving African American community in Lewes had been decimated.”

After an often-contentious battle, HPARC approved the Daiseys’ demolition request in August 2023. The old house was torn down about six months later.

The house at 111 Coleman St. is currently under renovation.

The family said they will be seeking HPARC approval for renovations to their home at 333 Savannah Road in the near future.

“This is a big investment for us. They are very meaningful to our family, something that will last for generations to come,” Darryl Daisey said.

Incoming Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco, Councilman Joe Elder and former HPARC member Randy Burton were among those who attended the gathering.

“The entire Daisey family has been so welcoming. They went through a tough process, and their graciousness has come through,” Marasco said. 

Darryl Daisey said the family is ecstatic about the new four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom house, which was designed by local builder James Burgess.

Daisey said he, his brother and five sisters all had input into the plans

He said they will probably rent the house in the summer, but use it for family gatherings the rest of the time.

“We weren’t looking to build a mansion. We wanted to build someplace that could be lasting,” Daisey said.