Rockford, Ill. – A guided tour of the former Armory Building on Friday morning gave residents a first‑hand look at the cleanup and renovation work that is moving the historic structure toward a new life as a community arts hub.
EPA grant jump‑starts environmental remediation
The Rockford Area Arts Council secured a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has funded the removal of asbestos, mold, lead and mercury. “Asbestos abatement, mold removal, lead and mercury removal – it was sort of like lions, tigers and bears in here, oh my,” said Mary McNamara Bernsten, executive director of the Arts Council.
Funding and partnership challenges
While the environmental work is complete, the project still faces significant construction and financial hurdles. Bernsten emphasized the momentum behind the effort, noting, “We have so many good things going on and the momentum is there.” Urban Equity Properties, the development partner, echoed the sentiment. Founder Justin Fern said, “These are hard projects. This building has been vacant for decades, and assembling the capital to do it the right way is always a challenge.”
Both organizations are developing a “capital stack” to identify the funding gap and determine what will be asked of the City of Rockford, Winnebago County and private donors. “Now we are putting together what you call a capital stack, which will show us the gap the arts council has to cover in a capital campaign and what we’ll ask from the city and county,” Bernsten explained.
Preserving history while creating a third space
The Armory has a storied past, having hosted acts ranging from Jethro Tull to Kiss. Fern hopes the renovation will honor those memories while providing a modern, inclusive space. “It feels like your building, my building, their building – a true third space where everyone feels ownership,” Bernsten said.
Community input is being solicited to shape the cultural programming and design. “We want residents to share ideas so the cultural plan reflects the priorities of the community,” Bernsten added.
Timeline and future outlook
Leaders aim to begin major construction next year, with a target completion date of 2030. When finished, the Armory will serve as a dedicated venue for visual and performing arts, operated by the Rockford Area Arts Council.
“We’ll be back to a period‑looking Rockford Armory Building with a totally different use and different life, geared toward the arts,” Fern said.
The project exemplifies how public‑private partnerships, federal grant support, and community engagement can revive historic assets for the benefit of families and faith‑centered neighborhoods across Rockford.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
