Zion Development

Rockford’s MidTown has always welcomed newcomers. From Swedish furniture makers who stepped off the train at Seventh Street in the 1800s to refugees from the war in Southeast Asia in the late 1970s and early 1980s, new arrivals brought unique gifts and renewal to our neighborhood. New neighbors need housing and jobs. The oil crisis and economic recession of the late 1970s hit MidTown particularly hard. While Rockford as a whole saw unemployment hit 26%, it felt like 80% in MidTown.

ZION Development was established 25 years ago to meet the needs of our neighbors by creating jobs and housing. Once again, MidTown is welcoming a new group of residents who will bring their gifts to the neighborhood—middle and upper-income people seeking market-rate housing. ZION intentionally created this opportunity for them to relocate and share their energy with our community. We welcome these new neighbors, who will call Lantow Lofts their home, and MidTown their neighborhood.