Downtown is an important community symbol, the traditional center of government, finance, commercial activity, and civic life. But the value of downtown to the entire community is more than just symbolic. Every segment of the community, not just downtown business and property owners, have a real stake in the economic health of the downtown.
From retail to food and beverage to apartment and condo loft living to commercial investment, Rockford's central core is undergoing a remarkable renaissance. Market rate housing development is a high-energy cornerstone of that revival thanks to the commitment of private sector investors such as Urban Equity Properties, William Charles and others. Millennials are joining empty-nesters and professionals in discovering practical, functional, walkable and wonderful living options in resurgent downtown Rockford. Public sector initiatives focused on downtown music, arts, markets and murals have contributed immensely to the bubbling energy investors feel and leverage.