Buildings That Will be Taking Shape in the New Year
Colman Yards – Rockford, IL
Colman Yards is a comprehensive site plan redeveloping the historic Barber-Colman campus along South Main Street, by the Morgan Street bridge. Howard Colman was a great American inventor, having earned 149 U.S. Patents in textiles, machine tools, telecommunications and small motors. Honoring Colman’s legacy of invention is the driving force to create a new living community with historic factory lofts, town homes, maker space, commercial and retail storefronts. Riverfront access with green spaces, commons, and hospitality will abound with a central public yard and grass amphitheater anchoring the space. Construction will begin on Phase 1 in 2023 with the planning almost complete. Studio GWA is excited to be working alongside many great partners to bring this long-forgotten section of Rockford back to life, including J. Jeffers & Company, Space Architects, Fehr Graham, and IMEG. Project Page
Old McHenry County Courthouse – Woodstock, IL
This landmark, National Register-listed structure, located in the Square of Woodstock, IL is one of the cornerstone buildings anchoring the ambiance and character of the community. Studio GWA has assisted the city with the stewardship of the building since their ownership in 2012, providing design assistance for critical items. Those early items included the restoration of the copper cupola and structural modifications, lightning protection, and restoration of woodwork and entry stairs to both structures. In 2019, Studio GWA was selected to assist the city with the complete renovation of the Courthouse for its re-use as a dynamic community space. The full renovation addresses each space of the Courthouse and Sheriff’s House with special attention to original paint scheme. Construction is underway, so look out for a reopening date some time in the middle of 2023. Project Page
Rockford Public Library – Rockford, IL
The Rockford Public Library project has been 8 years in the making, from the early conversations of soil remediation and relocation to design and now construction. The steel structure can already be seen, with big changes to be realized every week. The goal is to have a completed building in 2023, ready for move-in at the start of 2024. What a decade of work it will be once completed, a project which makes Studio GWA extremely proud. Thank you to Engberg Architects and Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental for partnering with us on such an exciting project for the Rockford region. Project Page
The Iconic Building – Rockford, IL
The iconic building at 99 East State Street is literally The Iconic Building now, with Iconic Energy purchasing the building. Most recently the Rockford Register Star, the 1930 art deco building, from famed architect Jesse Barloga, will be the future hub of all things solar for Iconic Energy, with retail and restaurant spaces charging the space with even more electricity. Key historical details will be maintained in the renovation, including the wood paneling in the old newsroom, terra cotta tiles featuring eagle insignias, and of course the cantilevered riverwalk. The project offers its challenges to integrate 93 years of additions and add-ons, now occupying the entire block, but we look forward to seeing the plan start to take shape. Demolition has already begun and will continue in 2023. As activity increases around the site, so does our excitement to see The Iconic Building restored. Studio GWA is pleased to partner with 1919 Architects, Jesse Barloga’s legacy firm. Project Page
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