Group hopes to save Amerock building

Online Staff Report

A group of concerned Rockford residents wants to save one of the city’s most visible buildings and is asking for support at tonight’s (May 9) City Council meeting.

Members of the group calling itself Friends of Ziock (FOZ) hope to sway the City of Rockford to redevelop the Ziock building, the former home of Amerock along the Rock River near Davis Park.

The group plans to ask aldermen to delay a vote centered on an agreement between the city and Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which could determine the fate of the vacant building.

“We are asking them to work with us to bring about a state historic preservation tax credit, which gives us a fighting chance to see Ziock and other important buildings redeveloped,” FOZ spokesman Don Bissell said.

The Ziock building, at 416 S. Main St., was built by William Ziock in 1915. The 13-story structure was built to house the Ziock Knitting Co. It later became home to Amerock until the company outgrew the location in the 1950s.

Several developers have mulled turning the building into a mix-use property made up of apartments, penthouses and commercial spaces, but have been stymied by funding problems, economic woes and unpaid property liens.

The Rockford City Council meets tonight at 6 p.m., in Council Chambers. Those interested in supporting the preservation of the Ziock/Amerock building is encouraged to attend.

More information may be obtained by visiting Ziock.org.