On Saturday, September 8th, the River District Association will host its second annual Urban Living Tour.  Last year’s event brought hundreds of people downtown and organizers hope this year’s tour will attract even more.  Tourists will be able to visit sites anytime between the hours of 11am and 4pm.  Tickets are now on sale, and can be purchased for $12 in advance.  They will be $15 the day of the tour.  Contact the River District Association office at 815-964-6221 for more information.  Advance tickets on sale at the River District office, Just Goods, 201 7th St., and 5SPA, 508 E. State St.  Day of event tickets sold at:  228 S. Main St.(William Brown Lofts) and 201 7th St. (Just Goods). Non-refundable
    
This year’s tour stretches beyond the River District boundaries and will include projects from adjacent downtown neighborhoods, as well as properties located in the heart of the District.  The selection of sites include a single family home in the Churchill’s Grove neighborhood, several upper-story redevelopment projects, examples of loft-style living, unique artist’s studios, and even one of Rockford’s premier high-rise apartments.  The tour will give visitors a chance to see several projects in the construction and remodeling phases.  Organizers hope that the tour will not only showcase some of the unique living options downtown, but also promote some of the more traditional historic neighborhoods which border the River District. Two of this year’s sites are located in the Midtown District, the business district directly southeast of downtown.

The Urban Living Tour is just one initiative by the River District Association to promote downtown living.  Others include the collection of rental and sales data of downtown housing, and gathering the names of people interested in moving to the downtown area. This year’s tourists will have an opportunity to see several new projects, remodels and vacant units and indicate their interest in renting or purchasing.

Increasing living opportunities in the heart of downtown and promoting the historic neighborhoods surrounding downtown have been important priorities for the Association over the past several years.  Throughout the years, researchers have sought to identify common elements found in successful and vibrant downtowns.  A number of studies have identified a strong downtown housing market as one of the key components for revitalization.  Although there does not seem to be a singular formula for success, researchers have concluded that thriving downtowns include strong adjacent residential neighborhoods within walking distance, the presence of mixed-use development within the downtown area, and the use of historic preservation to help forge a special identity. 

Retail, beautification, and public amenities are also key components for successful downtowns, and certainly add to the desirability of having a downtown address.  The River District Association is committed to promoting these aspects as well.  The Urban Living Tour, like many other downtown events, gives residents an opportunity to shop the stores and eat in the restaurants in the downtown area.  Many new establishments have opened in the past couple of years and tour patrons are encouraged to shop and eat while in the area. Plan to make a day of it!