Broadway Historic District open house - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Broadway Historic District open house

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

The doors of historic homes in Rock Island were open to the public today, thanks to a federal grant and the National Stabilization Program.

Seven different homes in the Broadway neighborhood have been completely renovated. Now they just need families to come live in them.

"I think it really helps to have a rehabbed home, especially an older home like this. i think it takes a certain type of homeowner that is willing to put in some elbow grease and it's nice that a lot of work has been done already," said Sarah Wright, a Rock Island resident.

Sarah Wright says she just likes looking at old homes and today, she can.

The Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation held an open house to showcase each remodeled home.

"We're looking at really engaging those possible homebuyers that may have an interest in purchasing a home to interact with all the neighborhood residents as well as the other homes that are on the market," said Brian Hollenback, President of Renaissance Rock  Island.

It's all part of the neighborhood stabilization program. Almost 15 million federal dollars was put into rock island's community for housing and redevelopment.

"They've been remodeled, rehabbed, and they just are an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to come in and really live in a historic type neighborhood," said Mayor Dennis Pauley of Rock Island.

Neighbors in the area say it's great for the community. For folks like Sarah, even if she doesn't want to buy a house, it's a way to see them.

"I think maybe if the right house came along, we'd bite, but for now we're just looking."

Rock Island officials say open houses like these are good for the economy.

A t last year's open house, 5 homes were sold in one day.