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The City of Rockford has been witnessing a remarkable transformation over the past few years. One of the most anticipated developments in the downtown area is the ambitious project by Urban Equity Properties, focusing on mid-century inspired lofts and a family-owned grocery store, an addition long-awaited by the local community 1.
Located at the corner of State and Church streets, the Nu-State Building, originally constructed in 1951, will undergo a complete makeover to transform into a modern, vibrant hub of activity 1. The four-story building will house 35 mostly one-bedroom lofts on the upper levels and an 8,000-square-foot grocery store at the ground floor. The goal is to complete the renovations and open in late 2024, with no city funding involved in the roughly $13.5 million project 1.
The new grocery store, City Center Market, is a major highlight of this development. With the objective of offering more than just the feeling of a convenience store, it will focus on organic food, featuring fresh locally-grown produce (when in season), a deli, a craft beer and wine selection, and a UPS store. This project has been a long-cherished dream for Urban Equity Properties, taking almost 15 years to materialize 12.
The Nu-State Apartments will be designed with a strong emphasis on mid-century modern design, incorporating elements of the '50s and '60s such as Tiki light fixtures and unique color schemes. Potential tenants can look forward to ceramic tiled showers and terrazzo or ceramic tile bathroom floors. The lofts will be rented for roughly $1,200 to $1,500 per month 1.
The project is expected to address the city's pressing need for more residential housing. Given the current downtown apartments' occupancy rate of over 95%, Mayor Tom McNamara expects this project, along with other upcoming developments, to be popular among the city's residents 1.
Furthermore, the development is poised to benefit not only downtown residents but the entire city. The new grocery store, in particular, is anticipated to cater to the needs of residents from both the east and west sides who may lack access to quality groceries 2.
While I was able to gather substantial information about the project, the most recent updates or changes, if any, were not found in the most current search. However, the project, as described, demonstrates a significant step towards meeting Rockford's housing and grocery needs while preserving the city's architectural heritage. This development promises to be an exciting addition to the ongoing efforts in revitalizing downtown Rockford.
