Covering the Land of Lincoln

Rockford approves Barber Colman zoning changes

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford’s historic Barber Colman Complex is one step closer to finding new life.

City council members unanimously agreed Monday night to make zoning changes for the project. The City has owned the former industrial site for 20 years.

A purchase agreement is in place with Milwaukee-based J. Jeffers & Company. A final agreement is in the works. The plan is to turn the Barber Colman Complex into a mix-use area, which would include residential as well as commercial and retail space.

Mayor Tom McNamara said that he is excited to see new life return to an area that once represented the pinnacle of success in the City.

“You used to look at it with great pride. Over the years, you’ve lost all that pride,” McNamara said. “It looks vacant, it looks dilapidated, it looks really rundown, and I’m really excited for the residents of Southwest Rockford who have been investing in their own homes, been investing in their own properties, to really see this beacon of light come and take shape. That’s really exciting.”

McNamara said that he expects to see a deal on a final development agreement in the next few months.

Comments are closed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More