Who Is FOZ?

Be sure to check out the impressive skills inventory and portfolio of complete projects attributable to FOZ members. (Click Here)

Website For Potential Ziock Developers

Information specifically for developers interested in knowing more about the Ziock Building, its possibilities, incentives that could apply, and assets nearby and in the downtown Rockford area is available at:  www.development.ziock.org

Historic Status Enables Economic Incentives

Illinois is preparing to make a state historic preservation tax credit available for redevelopments projects in the River’s Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ) in Rockford. The 25% credit can be added to the federal credit of 20% as well as any others for which a project may be eligible.  With the owner of the Ziock Building now actively seeking proposals for development of the property, the building is poised to begin a second century of prominence and service to downtown.

FOZ Celebrates Historic Status

FOZ and guests celebrated listing the Ziock Building on the National Register of Historic Places.  Newsletter (PDF) Invitation

Ziock Building Listed On National Register

Rockford, May 13, 2011: The National Park Service (Department of the
Interior) today announced that it has granted historic status to the Rockford
landmark, named in honor of textile pioneer, William H. Ziock.

National Register Listing Announcement

Excalibur Nomination

Each year, Rockford Register Star newspaper sponsors an Excalibur Award for outstanding community service.  Lenae Weichel stepped forward to prepare a nomination for William Ziock, Jr., philanthropist, business and community leader, and the man who commissioned the Ziock Building named after his father.   We believe it was the first time a nomination was submitted posthumously for the award.

Excalibur Nomination (PDF)

National Register Nomination

Based on hundreds of hours of research by volunteers, Friends of Ziock prepared a draft nomination with the assistance of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The Rockford Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the nomination in February, 2011.

Presentation to Rockford Historic Preservation Commission (Video) (16:40)

Rockford Historic Preservation Commission Recommendation

In March, 2011 the Illinois Historic Site Advisory Council unanimously recommended that the nomination be submitted to National Park Service, Department of the Interior which has final authority. Successful designation is expected by May, 2011.

National Register Nomination (PDF)

IHPA Determination

In fewer than 10 days, IHPA determined that the building met eligibility for listing on the National Register.

IHPA Determination Letter (PDF)

Request for Preliminary Evaluation

June, 2010 – We asked Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for an opinion regarding historic significance of the William Ziock Building. The June, 2010 request was based on initial research and resources available at that time.  It does contain some factual inaccuracies that have since been remedied.

Request For Preliminary Evaluation (PDF)

Call For Artistic Visions

Attention artists, students, visionaries — FOZ is interested in your “mind’s eye” view of what the Ziock Building could look like when it is restored. We invite original art to be considered or recognition and exhibition at a public event June 9. Details, a complete ‘call for entries’ and entry form are here.

Call for entry package (PDF)