The story of Rockford’s long industrial history is plenty obvious in the abandoned factories surrounding the city’s core. As local preservationists rush to save these landmarks before it’s too late, they’re helping to write the next chapter while recording the stories of our past. ...
An estimated 40% of Rockford residents could once claim Swedish ancestry, and many of them were settled in one part of town. Join Jon McGinty for a look at life and culture in Rockford's Swedish district. ...
Where we live matters, and it's important to sell those unique qualities about our neighborhoods. Meet two teams from Transform Rockford that are showing residents across the region how to build a sense of place and belonging. ...
Back when there was a different attitude about downtown Rockford, a tight-knit group of neighbors fought off disinvestment, apathy and absentee landlords to restore East Rockford’s first settlement. ...
Downtown Rockford got the boost it needed when three friends opened a restaurant and brewery on the riverfront in 2014. Now, Prairie Street Brewing Co. has even more to offer. ...
Thirty years ago, critics thought he was crazy to invest in Rockford's historic landmarks. Now, this area architect and his team can have the last laugh, as they leave their marks on several high-profile rehabs in the city's urban core. ...
In its efforts to strategically reinvent Rockford and ensure its future, this nonprofit group is learning there's an important dynamic that's missing from our region today. Learn how community is the building block of something big. ...