The Rockford city council makes another attempt to get a new multi-million dollar downtown development project off the ground.

A downtown building could soon be home to luxury apartments, restaurants and retail space. However, the decision to support the $22 million project was laid over by Rockford city council Monday.

The proposal, from Iowa-based Bush Construction, hopes to add on to the development of Rockford’s new library. Supporters say they feel more confident

“There’s some aldermen who wanted some additional time to look at the proposal, get some questions answered,” Rockford Public Library Trustee Jamie Getchius said. “I completely respect that, it’s part of the process.”

Getchius says the building has been abandoned for about 15 years. The idea is to turn it into something that will compliment the future Rockford Public Library next door.

“A lot different development that we’re used to, but it’s definitely something I think will be a highlight to our downtown,” Alderman Bill Rose said.

Last year, there was criticism around not choosing a local developer to take on the project. To be transparent and inclusive, the library board opened bidding back up and called every single local developer.

“There’s a couple that asked some questions, asked for some follow-up information, but none chose to bid on the project,” Getchius said.

Although the Library Board of Trustees doesn’t need the city’s approval, they seeked the partnership anyway.

“They’re going through this in a fashion to be very honest and open about the project,” Rose said. “That way the city can be a wilful partner in it.”

Getchius says the board is very excited about the proposal in front of them.

“A developer is coming and showing a lot of confidence in downtown Rockford and they’re really excited about coming here and making a profit,” Getchius said.

9th Ward Alderman Bill Rose says the project is a no-brainer.

“It’s the 9th ward, it’s the 3rd ward, it’s the 7th ward, it’s everyone,” Rose said. “It’s one of the good reasons why I feel like the investment will be well used.”