July 1, 2020 was a day to remember! Exactly ten years after a cease and desist order was given to stave off demolition of the former Ziock/Amerock Building in southwest Rockford, the new Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront opened its doors to the first guests. Among these guests were members of a group called Friends of Ziock (FOZ) who came together in 2010 to save the building from demolition. The group was formed by Don Bissell, Kyle and Marge Bevers, Gary Anderson and several other devoted and determined preservationists.
It started on Good Friday in 2010 when it came to Bissell’s attention that this nearly century-old building was slated for demolition. FOZ researched the building, sent in an engineering firm to counter any claim that the building was in danger of collapse, and wrote to the State Historic Preservation Agency to request a Stay of Execution. Despite the initial negative reactions from the community, FOZ members persisted in their efforts to put the historic building back on the tax rolls.
Within months, FOZ submitted an application to place the building on the National Register of Historic Places in Springfield. The group was notified that status was granted in May 2011.
After receiving the historic status, FOZ realized they had an obligation to assist in the development of the property. The group set out to identify developers from around the country who had developed large projects with Historic Tax Credit (HTC) experience, that would be a major source of funding needed to redevelop the building. FOZ identified 25 developers and met with the first six for on-site visits to consider the project. Gorman & Company, based in Oregon, Wisconsin, immediately saw the opportunity. Gorman’s credentials included a long resume of historic projects, using the EB-5 funding that was a critical financial tool for this type of project, and the use of the HTC. It literally took years to align the capital stack with investors and included numerous delays by Congress on whether to continue the EB-5 program. Gorman’s perseverance and belief in the value of the redeveloping this significant historic property was a key factor in making this project a reality.
Gorman and Company and the City of Rockford finalized several iterations of their development agreements and it was finally approved by the City Council on April 11, 2017 with an 8 to 7 vote. After 7 years of an incredible amount of work, it barely passed.
With so many buildings already demolished from this historic southwest location in Rockford, the skyline remains strong thanks to the efforts of FOZ, the City of Rockford, and Gorman & Company.
The new Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront Hotel is a spectacular addition to our revitalized downtown. The attention to detail, respect to the building’s history, amenities including a rooftop view of the city, and a conference center, all contribute to an unforgettable experience.
