ROCKFORD, IL (October 28, 2024) – The Rockford Area Arts Council plans to purchase the Armory Building at 605 N. Main Street in Rockford, Illinois. As required by its State and Federal EPA grantors, the Arts Council is hosting a public meeting for public input on, and challenge of, its plan.
Public meeting
- Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
- Time: 12:00 noon
- Location: Rockford Public Library – Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
About the plan
With the full support of its Board of Directors, the Arts Council is entering into a purchase agreement with the City of Rockford. The project also has the support of private partners Urban Equity Properties and Gorman and Company, and the environmental consultation of Fehr Graham.
The first 24 months of the project will focus on the environmental cleanup of the Armory. During that time, the Arts Council and its pledged partners will develop a robust capital stack plan to fund the full redevelopment of the property.
The property will eventually serve as a civic cultural center and artist housing facility. An intentionally inclusive and diverse project advisory committee will include residents at large and Riverfront Museum Park partners, who have already shared their enthusiastic support for this exciting project.
Estimated timeline
- October/November 2024: Purchase agreement approved by the City of Rockford
- November 14, 2024: EPA grant application due
- May 2025: EPA award notice
- May–December 2025: Federal paperwork and capital stack development
- Early 2026: Environmental mitigation out to bid
- Late 2026: Environmental mitigation complete
- Early 2027: Either complete a development agreement with support from the City of Rockford and Winnebago County, the arts, culture and creative sector, Urban Equity Properties, Gorman and Company, and State and Federal legislators, or return ownership to the City of Rockford
Media contact
Mary McNamara Bernsten, Rockford Area Arts Council
mary@artsforeveryone.com