Rockford City Council Paves The Way For New Affordable Housing On Rockford’s West Side
In a hopeful victory for equitable housing, Rockford City Council granted to Rockford Housing Development Corporation a Special Use Permit for our $47 million mixed-use Affordable Housing Development on South Avon Street.
We wish to thank the City of Rockford’s professional staff and Aldermen for their support and the confidence they have placed in RHDC.
Poised now to rise on a 15-acre parcel of underutilized land in the heart of Rockford’s West Side, our South Avon Street development seeks to begin to revolutionize a housing landscape that has chronically lacked new housing investment.
Striving for Equitable Investment and Health Outcomes
Driven by our commitment to facilitate healthy lifestyles in disinvested neighborhoods, we at Rockford Housing Development Corporation are on a mission to address the acute shortage of affordable quality housing units that has plagued our community for years. With research revealing a shortage of 5,000 such units, this innovative project represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between truly affordable, healthy housing availability and the needs of working families.
“This project creates affordable housing and supports impactful outcomes for current residents, the surrounding neighborhood and the whole community. At RHDC, ours is an intentional approach to being a catalyst for future investments in Rockford’s west side including housing, commercial development and other needs of local residents,” said Martesha Brown, RHDC board member.
South Avon: One Development, Many Opportunities for Residents
The South Avon Street development is designed to cater specifically to the needs of low and middle income working families and will encompass a meticulously planned assortment of living options. Anchoring this transformative project is a 64-unit apartment building, thoughtfully designed between RHDC and Gorman & Company to include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units to accommodate the varying needs of the community.
Critically, RHDC’s vision reaches far beyond mere housing. Recognizing the importance of holistic community support, the development will incorporate 10,000 square feet of social service and commercial space. These spaces will serve as catalysts for economic growth, nurturing a spectrum of local businesses, services, and social enterprises.
“South Avon Street is not just responsive to the community’s needs,” said Mayor Tom McNamara.”In fact, it will create community. We know we need more housing options in Rockford and I’m happy to support this project.”
Fostering Early Education and Creativity
Another of South Avon’s most inspiring features is its commitment to early education and childcare – desperately needed by low-income working families. An 8,000 square-foot childcare facility will cater to working parents, ensuring that their children receive quality care and education while they put bread on their families’ tables. Simultaneously, an early education center will lay the foundation for young minds to flourish.
Furthering the spirit of creativity and sustainability, the project envisions an arts incubator nestled within a now-dilapidated 21,600-square-foot structure. This incubator, slated to include six artist loft apartments, embodies RHDC’s belief in the transformative power of art and collaboration – and that people on both sides of town should be able to pursue such fulfilling dreams.
“Research proves that the strategic inclusion of arts and culture in housing developments increases property values and creates increased neighborhood safety and pride,” said Mary McNamara Bernsten, Executive Director, Rockford Area Arts Council. “Artists lift up their neighborhoods’ cultural spirit – and raise property values at the same time. Like the Colman Yards project not far away, RHDC’s South Avon Street project holds much promise for further establishing an arts and culture stronghold on the City’s southwest side — celebrating and elevating our community’s diversity and its robust creative sector.”
Addressing the Health Impact of Poor Housing Conditions
Beyond the immediate challenge of Rockford’s acute housing shortage, RHDC’s South Avon Street development exists to tackle the insidious health implications of unhealthy living conditions. Substandard housing often translates to poor health and shorter life spans.
Dampness, mold, lack of proper insulation and inadequate ventilation can lead to respiratory issues, exacerbating allergies and asthma. Crowded living spaces also heighten the risk of the spread of communicable diseases.
“Too much money spent on housing often equates to too little money spent on good food and healthcare,” said Jerry Lumpkins, RHDC Board President. “I’ve seen it in my own experience growing up on the west side of Rockford. At RHDC, we and the City of Rockford are trying to lay the groundwork for healthier, longer, more fulfilling lives for hard-working families”
By providing not only affordable housing but also a holistic environment that fosters physical and mental well-being, RHDC’s South Avon Street project is designed to break the cycle of health disparities borne by the most vulnerable members of our community.
A Blossoming Vision for Community, Well-being and Sustainability
Rockford Housing Development Corporation’s vision for South Avon extends to urban agriculture and includes an educational greenhouse. Such initiatives, pivotal in promoting sustainability and health education, will offer a platform for residents to learn and engage with crucial agricultural practices in an urban setting.
“Being able to positively impact health outcomes for residents is a high priority for us,” said RHDC Vice President Ron Clewer. “We’re not only building buildings; we’re building more equitable, healthier living conditions. Urban agriculture is a big part of that mission.”
Making a Bold Step Toward a Brighter Housing Future
“Why shouldn’t the West Side experience serious investment? Why shouldn’t we invest in healthy, affordable housing options for more working families? When the community finally takes ownership of this transformative development, a stronger, more vibrant, and equitable future will emerge for our whole city,” said Lumpkins.
In our community in which affordable housing remains an urgent challenge, RHDC’s united effort alongside the City of Rockford to invest in the west side is meant to be a beacon of hope. Our dedication to creating pockets of inclusive, healthy housing, education, creativity, and sustainability will not waver. This is just the beginning. Thank you, City of Rockford, for your partnership. In the words of Alderman Bill Rose, “let’s build, build, build.”