Redevelopment Agreement Proposal for the Rockford Armory

Executive Summary

We are pleased to present this proposal for the redevelopment of the historic Rockford Armory into the Lewis Lemon African American and Civil Rights Museum. This project aims to honor the significant contributions of African Americans to Rockford’s history, promote civil rights awareness, and serve as an educational and cultural hub for the community. We seek the City Council’s support and partnership through a redevelopment agreement to realize this vision.

Project Overview

Project Name: Lewis Lemon African American and Civil Rights Museum

Location: Rockford Armory, Rockford, IL

Project Cost: $50 million

Developer: Oliver Emerson Development | Co-Developer: TBD

Project Timeline: [TBD] - [TBD]

Goals and Objectives

Preserve Historic Significance: Renovate the Rockford Armory to maintain its historic integrity while adapting it for modern use.

Cultural Enrichment: Create a museum that showcases African American history and civil rights, emphasizing local contributions.

Educational Impact: Develop educational programs and exhibits to educate visitors of all ages about civil rights and African American heritage.

Economic Revitalization: Stimulate local economy through job creation, tourism, and community engagement.

 

Project Scope

Ground Floor:

 • Entrance and Lobby

 • Museum Shop and Café

 • Visitor Orientation Area

 • Permanent Exhibitions: Lewis Lemon and Rockford’s Black History, Timeline of African American History in Rockford

 • Temporary Exhibition Space

Second Floor:

 • Thematic Exhibitions: Civil Rights Movement, Black Contributions to American Culture, Local Heroes

 • Educational Programs and Workshops

 • Children’s Discovery Zone

Third Floor:

 • Research Center and Archives

 • Community Engagement Spaces

 • Event Space and Auditorium

Financial Plan and Funding Sources

Total Project Cost: $50 million

Funding Sources:

 • Federal and State Historic Tax Credits (HTC): $15 million

 • Tax Increment Financing (TIF): $2 million

 • New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC): $10 million

 • Grants and Donations:

 • National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and other cultural grants: $5 million

 • Private Foundations and Corporate Sponsorships: $8 million

 • Community Fundraising: $5 million

 • Developer Equity: $5 million

Economic and Community Benefits

Job Creation: Estimated creation of 50-75 jobs during construction and 20-30 permanent positions upon completion.

Tourism and Revenue: Attracting visitors to the museum, boosting local businesses, and generating additional revenue for the city.

Educational Opportunities: Partnering with local schools and universities for educational programs, internships, and community outreach.

Cultural Preservation: Preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Rockford’s African American community.

Requested Support from the City Council

Approval of Redevelopment Agreement: Formal approval to proceed with the Agreement: project under the proposed terms and conditions.

Financial Incentives: Allocation of TIF funds, support in applying for additional grants, and possible tax abatements.

Regulatory Assistance: Expedited permitting and regulatory approvals to facilitate timely project completion.

Community Engagement: Assistance in promoting the project within the community and fostering public-private partnerships.

Conclusion

The Lewis Lemon African American and Civil Rights Museum will be a transformative project for Rockford, offering cultural, educational, and economic benefits to the community. We respectfully seek the City Council’s support and partnership in this endeavor through the approval of the proposed redevelopment agreement. Together, we can create a lasting legacy that honors our shared history and inspires future generations.