Jeff Antinucci talks with a customer Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Charles Street Shoe Repair in Rockford. He will move his business on Aug. 1 to 530 Windsor Road in Loves Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Charles Street Shoe Repair will stay on Charles Street after all.

The nearly century old family-owned shop nearly moved to Loves Park a month ago because it’s being forced to relocate from its existing building, which is set to be demolished as part of the city’s efforts to curtail flooding along Keith Creek.

Now, it’s found a new home that’s just about two blocks east of its current shop. Charles Street Shoe Repair plans to open Oct. 3 at 2450 Charles St., which is in the Rockford Plaza Shopping Center behind Stockholm Inn. The owners signed the lease for the new space on Friday.

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Charles Street Shoe Repair has operated for about 97 years through three generations of family, and it has spent the past 65 years in one location or another on Charles Street.

Jeff Antinucci, who runs the shop with his mother, Catherine, said he has fond memories of spending time at Rockford Plaza while growing up in the area.

“It’s a wonderful evolution of a dream that came true,” he said.

Antinucci will continue to operate from 2233 Charles St, suite E, until Sept. 18, when the shop will begin the process to relocate.

Charles Street Shoe Repair initially planned to move to 530 Windsor Road in Loves Park, but they were advised by legal counsel to walk away from the lease agreement. Antinucci said that turned out to be a blessing now that they’re able to stay on Charles Street.

“The Lord or the universe works in mysterious ways,” Antinucci said.

Antinucci gave credit to Realtor Melissa Kuhrt of Berkshire Hathaway, Alderman Frank Beach and the owners of Rockford Plaza for working with him to relocate after the space in Loves Park fell through. Alan Gottlieb and his daughter, Kate Gottlieb, through their business Real Estate Affiliates Inc. purchased the plaza in May.

“The owners are really great, and we’re lucky that Melissa was so gracious with us,” he said. “She basically saved our livelihood. If it wasn’t for her, I’d probably be fixing shoes on the corner.”

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The city of Rockford told business owners in the strip mall — Drewelow’s House of Books, Shear Magic Hair Studio and Slots of Fun — earlier this summer that they should relocate as the city prepares to demolish the building and leave it as green space.

The city will pay relocation costs for the businesses and will bridge the gap in the difference in rent for approximately a year and a half.

The demolition is part of plans the city has worked on for more than 15 years to reduce flooding along the Keith Creek corridor.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas