Barber Colman - Brownfield Revitalization Plan

Design Collective prepared a master plan for the adaptive reuse of Barber Colman’s 1.5M SF abandoned and vacant tool and die complex.  The 65-acre campus is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places and includes more than 10 buildings dating to 1902.  The master plan is anchored by medical and allied health, office, and educational space, technology, residential, retail and restaurants, and a brewery.  Swedish American Hospital and Rock Valley College are targeted users.  New streets, open space and greenways connect the site to the neighborhood, to the Rock River, to downtown, and to a city-wide trail network.  New public greens and squares will support neighborhood activities, civic events, and small outdoor concerts.  

 

The City of Rockford acquired the property in 2001 and partnered with Belmont Sayre to establish a redevelopment vision.  The Belmont Sayre-Design Collective team prepared a market analysis, met with local businesses and healthcare providers, including the hospital and the college, conducted financial feasibility analyses and development proforma, and prepared a phasing and funding plan to guide long term redevelopment.  Although unsuccessful, the plan and vision, together with City and Mayor support, were used to attract Stone Brewery to the site as an anchor tenant.