Common Questions...

When will construction begin?

Colman Yards construction officially began in fall 2023.

How many jobs is Colman Yards expected to create?

The development team anticipates an accrued employment increase of 2,784 jobs through 2030 (Source: Region 1 Planning Council). A total of 400 full-time equivalent construction jobs are projected, all Illinois contractors subject to prevailing wage. The development team forecasts between 20% and 30% participation of Minority, Women, Veteran and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the construction process.

How do I find out information about residential leasing?

Sign-up for more info on the CONTACT section of the web, we'll get you in the loop!

What types of businesses can we expect at Colman Yards?

We are seeking a diversified mix of tenants; independent retailers, food-based hospitality, health/wellness providers, small office users, financial institutions, retail pharmacy, local arts collaborative, and next-generation smart apparel design/production hub. Great fits will be scaling regional entities seeking second or third locations; downsizing primary employer offices; home-based businesses seeking brick-and-mortar; and institutions seeking satellite offices in the population center.

What type of apartments will be available?

There will a mix of (historic rehabilitation) Studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom market-rate units in Phase One. As the development continues to progress in additional Phases, new construction apartments, townhomes, flats, and row houses will be added.

Will any of the residential units be for sale or all for rent?

All residential units will be rentals and office/commercial will be leased.

What types of amenities will be offered in the campus' public green spaces?

A signature of this transformative project is its public green space and riverfront activation plan, which will help to establish Colman Yards as a regional destination. As the campus emerges, we intend to roll out walk and bike paths, public art, outdoor seating, plazas and courtyards, a riverfront amphitheater, a dog park, a splash pad and plentiful public garden space.

How will Colman Yards take advantage of the new METRA service to Rockford?

Anchoring the South Main St. Corridor, Colman Yards will connect the Downtown District, Chicago Rockford Intl Airport, other points of interest, employers, visitor destinations & neighborhood centers. Placing a high value on access, the campus will provide ample pedestrian & bike paths to support future transportation infrastructure. A planned METRA line from Chicago will terminate near Colman Yards, positioning it to serve as a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and designated Transit Hub.

What's the plan for parking at Colman Yards?

Colman Yards will be supported by a variety of new on-campus parking. In the first phase, a brand new, multi-deck structure will be erected. The master plan has multiple surface spots - both public and reserved - and potentially another new parking structure as development progresses.

What's the history of the Barber-Colman site?

At its height in the middle 1970s, the Barber-Colman Company employed 3,000 workers on this campus. Officially incorporated in 1904 to design and manufacture textile machinery, the Barber-Colman Company quickly spawned specialty divisions, including the Machine Tool Division (1908), Experimental Division (1914), and Electrical Division (1924). In 2001, following nearly two decades of divestiture, the 20-structure manufacturing campus ceased all operations.

What happened after the Barber-Colman Company closed 2001 until now?

The City acquired the vacated campus in 2002 and began the longstanding local, state and federal commitment to reimagining the site for redevelopment. An environmental assessment & cleanup process with the U.S. EPA, a successful placement in the National Register of Historic Places to create the Barber-Colman Historic District in 2006, awaiting the proper redevelopment partner and solution.