State Funds Aim to Revitalize Vacant Singer Mental Health Center

ROCKFORD,IL – Illinois has allocated $500 million to redevelop five vacant,state-owned properties,and the former singer Mental Health Center in Rockford is among them. This funding could pave the way for demolition and future redevelopment of the site.

State Senator Steve Stadelman, D-Loves Park, explained that the “Surplus to success” program, approved in the state’s budget, focuses on preparing these properties for new life. Singer, located at 4402 N. Main st., is one of five sites targeted for betterment.

“Singer, along with these other four properties, has fallen into disrepair, creating a important hurdle for redevelopment,” Stadelman said. “the state’s investment of $500 million will make these properties ‘shovel ready’ for potential developers and thier plans.”

The other sites included in the program are the 160-acre Dwight Correctional Center, the 100-acre Jacksonville Developmental Center, the 100-acre Lincoln Developmental Center, and 70 acres of unused land at the Shapiro Growth Center in Kankakee.

For the Singer property,which spans 100 acres,demolition seems likely to be the first step.Stadelman indicated this is the anticipated course of action to prepare the land for new development. It appears state officials are encouraging local communities to take the lead in deciding how these properties will ultimately be used.