Rockford named state-designated cultural district by Gov. Pritzker

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have named Rockford as one of five State-Designated Cultural Districts, designed to preserve history and culturally significant traditions and structures.

“People in cities and towns across the state have vibrant cultural identities, and through the State-Designated Cultural Districts program, we’re helping them preserve their history and traditions while promoting economic development,” said Pritzker. “Cultural Districts reflect the diversity of our great state, and Illinois is proud to recognize their cultural significance while empowering them to expand their reach and share their culture with Illinoisans and visitors alike.”

Rockford has been designated as the “Heritage District.”

“I am proud that the City of Rockford is being recognized amongst this esteemed group of cultural district designations around the state,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West (D-Rockford). “We are always eager to celebrate the cultural contributions of our most historic cities and towns throughout Illinois.” 

Northeast Chicago has been designated as “Soul City”; Bloomington as “City of Bloomington’s Downtown Cultural District”; Northeast Chicago as “Ukrainian Village’; and a “Historic District of the City of Vienna” in downstate Vienna.

The opportunity to become a State-Designated Cultural District was made available through a competitive Notice of Designation Opporunity, and to be eligible, applicants had to be historically impacted and at risk of losing their cultural identity due to gentrification displacement, or the COVID-19 pandemic, and have a history of economic disinvestment.

Each district is eligible to apply for $3 million in funding that will be tailored to fit their individual needs to preserve their unique cultural identities.