New general contractor is now seeking subcontractor bids for transformative South Main project.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (Feb. 17, 2026) — With a new general contractor, strengthened partnerships, and reinvigorated community alignment, J. Jeffers & Co. is affirming its commitment to the City of Rockford and the long-term success of the $400M Colman Yards redevelopment.
“Colman Yards represents the best of what’s possible when public and private partners come together to invest in people, place, and potential,” said City of Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “This is more than bricks and mortar; it’s about jobs, housing and long-term opportunity for our city and its residents.”
The next phase of work (Phase 1B) of the Colman Yards project is an approximately $100M investment that will deliver an estimated 150 units of multifamily housing and more than 70,000 square feet of commercial space with the rehabilitation of five historic buildings.
“This is a generational project for Rockford, and we remain fully committed to it,” said Josh Jeffers, founder and CEO of J. Jeffers & Co. “Our mission is rooted in revitalizing legacy communities, and Colman Yards is a testament to that vision.”
Work at the site paused in 2025 following the termination of the project’s original contractor. Since then, J. Jeffers & Co. has been working closely with the city and other key stakeholders to transition the general contracting role to Rockford-area-based Ringland-Johnson Construction.
“We’re pleased to announce that we’re accepting subcontractor bids now, with the goal of making selections by early fall,” said Brent Johnson, CEO of Ringland-Johnson Construction. “Our team has a decades-long track record of working successfully with the area’s building trades council, and we’re ready to do it again on this meaningful project.”
Qualified local subcontractors, specialty contractors, and suppliers can submit bid proposals for this project to the Ringland-Johnson office at estimating@ringland.com.
“Progress on this project has been moving all along,” said Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Council President Alan Golden. “The local unions and Ringland-Johnson, in particular, have been establishing the foundation of strong partnerships, and we’re looking forward to working together to deliver something the entire Rockford community can be really proud of.”
“I have never lost faith in this project, but my residents want and deserve to see real progress. With Colman Yards advancing into a new phase of construction, we are taking a decisive step forward. I will continue to carry their voices at every stage because they deserve a finished investment that transforms this corridor and benefits the entire city,” said Alderwoman Gabrielle Torina.
Pre-leasing is underway for commercial space. All funding commitments remain active, including state and federal grants, private equity and other project capital.
Located along Rockford’s historic South Main Corridor, Colman Yards will transform 26 acres of a long-vacant brownfield site into a vibrant, mixed-use district. When complete, the development will include more than 970 townhomes and apartments, 110,000 square feet of commercial space, and 150,000 square feet of public open space, trails and riverfront access.
About J. Jeffers & Co.
Milwaukee-based J. Jeffers & Co. is a mission-driven real estate development and investment firm committed to creating a lasting community impact. Leveraging historic preservation and adaptive reuse best practices alongside architecturally sensitive new construction, the company transforms underutilized properties into revitalized spaces that are powerful catalysts for economic growth. Founded in 2012, J. Jeffers & Co. pioneered Milwaukee’s first accessible student housing project in partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College and revitalized Racine’s former Horlick Malt Company Industrial Complex into a thriving mixed-use community.
About Ringland-Johnson Construction “RJC”
Ringland Johnson Construction is a client focused builder of large, complex commercial construction projects. Several Rockford area landmark projects built by RJC include Hard Rock Casino Rockford, Woodward Rock Cut Campus, OSF North Tower, UW Swedish American Health Women & Children’s Tower, Rock Valley College Downtown West Campus, Winnebago County PSB Courts Renovation, Justice Center, and the ComEd Training Center. RJC is a leader in AI 3D Virtual Design & Construction technology use. The Company was founded in 1946 by the current CEO Brent Johnson’s grandfather. Today RJC is 100% Employee Owned.
A J. Jeffers & Company Development
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