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Developer Justin Fern aims to increase downtown Rockford's population to 15,000 residents over the next 20 years.

Urban Equity Properties has started a $13.5 million project to redevelop the historic Chick Hotel into luxury apartments.

Fern's plan includes future new construction, potentially including skyscrapers, to add about 8,500 residential units.

As Justin Fern of Urban Equity Properties celebrated his latest $13.5 million venture , he announced that it is merely an incremental step toward his ultimate goal of bringing 15,000 people to live in downtown Rockford.

Fern said his company has begun the historic redevelopment of the former Chick Hotel built in 1857 into the Chick House Flats. When complete the building will boast 18 luxury apartments including

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