8/31/2015
Chuck Sweeney - RR Star

For years I have advocated making the east bank of the Rock River the riverwalk, and it is slowly turning into just that. Last week marked a big step in that gradual conversion with Cellusuede Products' pending move to a bigger, newer building at 1515 Elmwood Road in the North Rock Industrial Park, which is off North Main Street near Sportscore One. Meanwhile, the Cellusuede building on Madison Street will be turned by the owners of the Prairie Street Brewhouse into a "use your imagination" center of creativity. The buildings across the street from Cellusuede will be leveled for parking, which will be needed as the Brewhouse becomes more and more a popular place to gather. Ald. Tom McNamara, D-3rd said he's happy that both sides are getting what they want in the deal. With Rockford City Market's new shed built and operating, and the soon-to-come indoor market next to it, Rockford is finally putting in place an interesting variety of activities for people to see and do along the east bank. Starting with the market, we now have the trolley station, Riverview Ice House, the Forest City Queen boat, the Brewhouse and whatever new attractions go into the Cellusuede building, two popular ethnic clubs — the Lombardi and Verdi — the YMCA physical education center and Log Lodge, Nicholas Conservatory & Sinnissippi Gardens, and the recreation path north into Loves Park. Maybe if a foot bridge could be built over North Second Street we'd have a safe way to get to Sinnissippi Park, the golf course and the Music Shell, the home of summer concerts. What I'd like to see is a unique lighting theme to give North Madison Street a festival atmosphere. How about it, Public Works Director Tim Hanson? And there should be a plan in place to move other non-entertainment businesses along the street to industrial parks.


For More Information:
http://www.rrstar.com/article/20150831/NEWS/150839909