$80 million ‘African Village’ project planned for Rockford’s S. Main Street
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A community development organization is planning an $80 million “African Village” on Rockford’s S. Main Street corridor, which would include African-themed stores, restaurants, and a theater.
Representatives from Progressive West Rockford Community Development Corporation, including the Rev. Earl Dotson Sr., held a press conference on Thursday to announce plans for the future project.
The African Village would encompass a portion of 1000 and 1100 blocks of S. Main Street, with an additional development on W. State Street.
The development aims to celebrate African heritage and culture through a range of retail stores, including clothing and furniture, hardware stores, fitness centers, spas and grooming services, and a theater for the performing arts, all located on S. Main Street.
The announcement also said on W. State Street, a “1,000 seat Banquet Facility, Upscale Restaurant Upstairs, a moderately priced venue down-stairs, and a lower-level Sports Bar, with a future small hotel adjacent thereto a possibility” would be built.
Together, organizers projected an estimated $85 million cost to the project, with funding coming from 15 unnamed participating foundations.
The announcement comes several months after the Greater Arab Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on a forthcoming townhouse and community development behind the Forest Plaza shopping center, on Mulford Road.
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