Rockford’s Miracle Mile celebrates 20 years of business success

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — E. State Street’s “Miracle Mile”is home to many popular Rockford businesses, many who located there due to a business association formed 20 years ago.

On Thursday, the association celebrated its anniversary.

Stretched along E. State from UW SwedishAmerican Hospital to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center is a business district 20 years in the making.

“The Miracle Mile started in 2005 when a lot of businesses were empty. A lot of blight was happening in our town along State Street, especially,” said Miracle Mile executive director Amy Hoening.

Business owners and community leaders came together to form the Miracle Mile Rockford Business Association. Two years later, the corridor was designated as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, helping to support existing businesses and attract new ones.

“We had that desire of the Miracle Mile, which is a miracle mile,” said Ald. Frank Beach (R-10th). “People know where it is, what’s there, where they can go to shop or entertained or have something to eat. And I think that’s happened now over 20 years.”

John Sommar, owner of Don Carter Lanes, was a founding business owner on the Miracle Mile and attributes the association to his bowling alley’s success.

“Don Carter Lanes actually received a TIF grant, and that was why we were able to remodel a few years back. And that was all because of the Miracle Mile,” he said.

Beach said he believes the Miracle Mile continues to set an example for the rest of Rockford.

“We have a great story to tell. We got two stories that tell negative or positive. We’ve got so much positive news that it’s exciting to be a part of. See Rockford reborn with new opportunity, and I’m excited to see that happen.”

A celebration for the Miracle Mile’s 20th anniversary will be held Thursday night at Don Carter Lanes.