Low Down on Rockford?

[linicx]

NYC2CHI You have to remember something.. industrialization and the rust belt in the heart of the nation's bread basket is a special problem. Cities that sensed the end of the industrial era planned for it 40 years ago when mainframes started to appear in businesses like Caterpillar. Those that didn't plan ahead got caught.

The cities that shaped their future planned how to reuse large areas of the city that had fallen to rot, trouble and decay. Old warehouse districts were converted into green living and business spaces. If it couldn't be converted it was razed and turned into green space, walkable areas with food and entertainment, and great gathering places for public events such as juried art faires and even a new square block area of museums. New business in the reprovisioned areas was given tax incentities. Business came; business grew and the city survived. Peoria, B-N, Springfioeld and Champaign survived without too much damage. East Peoria, Canton and some of the other areas in the state that were also heavily dependent upon industry are slowly but surely changing and recovering.

Maybe if Rockford's city fathers look at these models they could put some of what they see and learn now as well as make plans for the future? I always have high hope for the once grand old cities that still have mucvh to offer.

Originally Posted by NYC2CHI

linicx, you're right on the money with your post. It is rather sad to see how the city has (d)evolved. Out with the old and in with the new cannot foster a great place in the context of urban planning. Large swaths of town have been left to decay.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Sure would hate to be Rockford's mayor right now.

Just an observation the depression has hit areas like Rockford pretty hard.
I agree a city needs to change with times but sometimes its just too much for a community to handle.

[socaldream]

I don't agree with this entirely. There are some excellent restaurants, including some that are locally owned and operated. There is a local symphony and an excellent music hall, the Coronado. It is on the National Historic Register. There are summer music concerts in Davis Park and of course On the Waterfront festival, which used to be the largest music fest in Illinois. There are numerous local and regional bands and many smaller venues to seek entertainment. There is the annual Groove Walk downtown which features a wide variety of music in almost every cafe, bar and nightclub in town. In a city block you might see 5-10 bands playing a wide variety of music. There is also local theatre and dance, and other productions through Rock Valley College. If Rockford doesn't have what you are looking for, Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee are all within a 2 hours drive and in some cases have shuttle bus routes there as well.

Originally Posted by NYC2CHI

It is definitely run-of-the-mill. But I'd agree also that you can live a very comfortable life there if that's your cup of tea. It is not a region full of great cultural and entertainment options. There are gems in the rough, mostly associated with the river and nature parks/sites. Food in general is disappointing. Few home-grown restaurants with anything but very ordinary food.
Rockford is in stark contrast to Madison, WI - a similar sized metro only 70 miles away. With a university and a far less conservative outlook, it offers a lot for a city of its size.