Pritzker selects Rockford to be 1 of 5 state-designated cultural districts

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Governor JB Pritzker has selected Rockford as one of five areas to be considered a cultural district in Illinois.

The chosen area for the cultural district is home to Rockford’s first neighborhood, located in the Southwest corridor of the city.

“We don’t want to compete with Chicago or with any of the other things because there are going to be five of them… we just wanted one out of those five, and Chicago could have the other four if they want, but we wanted one here for Rockford,” said Swiftt President Rudy Valdez.

The district stretches from South Winnebago Street to the Rock River and Chestnut Street down to Montague Street.

The main reason for this area being chosen was because of its historic impact.

“This was the starting point of Rockford,” Valdez explained. “So, there’s a lot of history here, and we want to maintain that history. We don’t want to lose it through changes over the years.”

The cultural district is eligible to apply for $3 million in funding to promote economic development while preserving its cultural identity.

“It’s really for economic growth. We want to make sure that there’s economic opportunities here for everyone,” Valdez continued. “But at the same time, matching it with the cultural aspect of things, not to lose the identity.

Those who fought for the distinction are also excited for residents who live on the Southwest side of Rockford.

“It feels like a very much an overarching group of excitement,” said Executive Director of Tinker Swiss Cottage Samantha Hochmann. “This funding that is possible through the cultural heritage programming should help not only our businesses flourish, but also our residents here in the Southwest corridor have a little bit higher quality of life.”

Valdez also mentioned that some of the funding will be used to promote activities in the area and to showcase the cultural aspects Southwest Rockford has to offer.