News

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current

ROCKFORD — A Rockford-based real estate developer has been cleared to expand its condominium development, building five ranch-style duplexes along Alpine Road near Guilford Road.

The development adds on to First Midwest Rentals’ Sienna Crossings, which has more than a dozen high-end duplexes in the area near Meg’s Daily Grind, Walgreens and Reuben Aldeen Park. Construction on much of those properties started in 2018, according to city documents.

Three duplexes are in the late stages of completion now along Murphy Woods Court. The next five would be built at the corner of Nevard Boulevard and Landis Lane. City Council gave approval Monday to a zoning change from limited commercial to two-family residential to clear the way for the development.

The development is noteworthy because Rockford, so far, has had a slow start to residential construction this year. Last year saw the most homebuilding in the city since the onset of the Great Recession.

There have been only seven single-family homebuilding permits taken out in Rockford this year, and there haven’t been any for duplexes, townhomes or multifamily units, according to the city. There were 71 single-family home permits last year, in addition to eight duplexes and 12 multifamily buildings.

However, there are multiple projects on the horizon.

District 815, which calls for duplexes, townhomes and four-unit buildings totaling more than 200 units over several years, hopes to break ground on the first phase in August, according to Mustafa Abdall, the group’s vice president.

Additionally, City Council approved on Monday the development of 24 luxury condos in a gated community with a swimming pool at 5918 Elaine Drive. Those could break ground by late summer or early fall.

The council delayed for a month a decision on a residential development that could create 180 market-rate rental units on land along Fincham Drive, White Chapel Lane, Mill Road and Highgrove Place. Alderman Tim Durkee said that delay was intended to give local organizations a chance to work with developers.

It’s not clear when the next phase of the Sienna Crossings development will move forward. First Midwest Group said this week it could not provide any additional information.

The company says on its website that Sienna Crossings offers 1,650-square-foot condos with an open floor plan. They have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, in-unit washer and dryer and a two-car garage.

East Rockford condo development to expand with five additional duplexes - Rock River Current