ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — The Rockford City Council has approved taking possession of a historic apartment building whose redevelopment was supposed to revitalize its neighborhood.
Alderman voted 7-5 on Monday to take over the 48-unit Valencia Court Apartments on the north edge of downtown. The Rockford Register-Star reports the four-building complex hasn’t been occupied since 2007.
The complex was designed in the 1920s by noted local architect Jesse Barloga. Its colorful inlaid tile, wrought iron and bell tower helped it get a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Valencia Developers of Lake Zurich owns the property. The housing crisis borne of the recession of 2008 hindered redevelopment. The city offered tax incentives in 2010 but a dispute between developer and lender killed the project.
The post Rockford officials take control of historic apartments appeared first on WGIL 93.7 FM & 1400 AM.
