Tornado aftermath, downtown Rockford progress and more: Our Top 10 stories from April
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Last month started out on a devastating note, with people around the region picking up the pieces from tornadoes that hit about 20 locations, including Rockford, Poplar Grove and Belvidere.
The later half of the month was dominated by development news, including a $13.5 million plan to bring a grocery store and lofts to downtown, the $22 million revamp of the former Register Star News Tower, casino construction progress and roughly $40 million affordable housing development in southwest Rockford.
All year, we’ve been sharing our 10 most-read stories from the past month so you can catch up on any of the big news you may have missed.
Here are the 10 stories with the most readership in April:
Rockford plans to demolish blighted, 130-year-old school
The city of Rockford plans to demolish a nearly 130-year-old school that building officials say has deteriorated beyond the possibility for repair.
The decision to demolish Church School, 1419 Blaisdell St., comes more than 25 years after the first plan for redeveloping the property was pitched. City Council members approved the $323,720 demolition contract on April 17.
Full story: City plans to demolish nearly 130-year-old school in Rockford
Pumpkin Patch owners’ family farm struck by tornado
The Lindberg family, which owns the Pumpkin Patch, had its family farm devastated by one of the tornadoes that stormed through the region on March 31.
The tornado missed the Pumpkin Patch itself, but on the family farm just east the tornado wiped out grain bins, wrecked sheds, obliterated the top half of a silo, knocked out power and uprooted roughly 30 large trees.
Full story: Boone County firefighter responded to The Apollo, then returned to devastation on the family farm
New $13.5M development to bring grocery store, lofts to downtown
A new development in downtown will bring mid-century inspired lofts and a grocery store to the corner of State and Church streets.
The latest project from Urban Equity Properties will transform the four-story Nu-State Building, 119 N. Church St., into 35 mostly one-bedroom lofts on the upper levels and an 8,000-square-foot grocery store at the ground floor.
Full story: Nearly $13.5M development to bring grocery store and mid-century lofts to downtown Rockford
Canna Cafe is ready to serve ‘high’ quality food and cannabis knowledge
The Canna Cafe celebrated its grand opening April 20 inside The Hemp Center of Northern Illinois, a cannabis health and wellness shop Renner opened in 2019. They cut the ribbon at 4:20 p.m. on April 20, or 4/20, the unofficial marijuana holiday.
Full story: The Canna Cafe in Rockford is ready to serve ‘high’ quality food and cannabis knowledge
‘We’re all rooting for The Apollo’: Officials optimistic the historic structure can be saved
The integrity of The Apollo Theatre structure was under examination the day after a tornado ripped off its roof on March 31.
Fundraising is now underway to help the Martinez family rebuild, and survivors of the storm are healing from the physical and mental pain.
One person was killed and nearly 50 others were treated for injuries at local hospitals.
Full story: ‘We’re all rooting for The Apollo’ Officials optimistic the historic Belvidere structure can be saved
Nearly $1M in building purchases sets the stage for RVC downtown
Rock Valley College is purchasing a cluster of buildings and parking lots in downtown as it looks to expand its presence and create easier access for residents on the west side.
The total cost of the purchases is just shy of $1 million. The college is still developing its renovation and curriculum plans.
Full story: Nearly $1M in building purchases sets the stage for RVC to grow in downtown Rockford
Late Rockford Speedway owner Jody Deery’s final bequest
Jody Deery, the late Rockford Speedway owner who died June 13 at age 97, willed that St. James Catholic Church and the Catholic Diocese of Rockford be recognized with an ownership stake in Deery Properties, the family’s development group that will redevelop the 76-year-old race track after this season.
That means the two organizations will share in the financial benefits when the Speedway property is turned into a commercial corridor.
Deery also willed $320,000 to 16 organizations.
Full story: Late Rockford Speedway owner Jody Deery’s final bequest creates 9th and 10th siblings
Mo’s Coffee and Cafe in Rockford serves healthy food your mouth remembers
Mo’s Coffee and Cafe expanded its hours last month after adding beer and wine to its menu.
The downtown eatery, which opened in fall 2022, specializes in Pakistani cuisine, but also has several American options.
Full story: Mo’s Coffee and Cafe serves healthy food your mouth remembers
Iconic Energy aims to bring ‘heartbeat’ to downtown with News Tower revamp
Iconic Energy is moving forward with a $22 million redevelopment plan of the former Register Star News Tower that includes a restaurant, cafe, business offices, gym and riverwalk. The building will also be outfitted with solar panels.
Full story: Iconic Energy aims to bring ‘heartbeat’ to downtown with revamp of former News Tower
Hard Rock construction goes vertical with arrival of first steel columns
The first steel beams and columns were set in place last month on the future Hard Rock Casino in Rockford.
The casino’s construction leaders have signed a partnership with federal and state safety officials designed to provide the highest standards for worker health and safety throughout the massive project.
Full story: Hard Rock goes vertical with arrival of first steel beams and columns
Want to see this new Rockford mural on a T-shirt? There’s a plan in the works
The city’s newest mural was completed late last month at Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford.
The design by Vic Rivera and painting by Brett Whitacre proved popular, so much so that dozens of people asked if they could buy it on a T-shirt.
Andrew Vowles, the owner of Ernie’s Midtown Pub, is working on plans to print the design on T-shirts and bumper stickers with the proceeds of sales going to local charities.
Full story: Want to see the new Rockford mural on a T-shirt? There’s a plan in the works
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas
