Nearly $9M in renovations underway at Rockford’s Riverview Ice House

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Thanks to public and private interest and support, major renovations are underway at Rockford’s Riverview Ice House.

Nearly $9 million in renovations have been taking place inside the facility from new ice system mechanicals, dasher boards, glass, concrete base floors, and infrared heat in spectator areas for both rinks inside the facility.

A work in progress over the last couple of months, the Rockford Park District officially began the renovation process in April.

Built in 1975, funding was needed to completely replace the mechanical/refrigeration system, hockey boards, and glass, and to complete additional renovations needed throughout the facility, including new concrete flooring.

“Today is a big day because if you screw it up you just blew a million bucks, so that’s why you have two sets of concrete sources, we have multiple pumps, we have lots of people,” said APEX Facility COO Mark Rasmussen, when talking about the pouring of concrete in the main rink.

State Senator Steve Stadelman helped secure $2.5 million. With more money being pledged by both the Provenzano family and Koch family.

“It’s important for those who use the ice in the community whether you’re a hockey player or figure skater. But also for downtown development, we need to continue to have amenities in our downtown area, more reasons for people to come downtown, and this is a huge attraction,” Stadelman told 23 News.

Phase one includes a new main rink, studio rink, and refrigeration system. Stateline leaders hope to have people back on the ice by the end of the year.

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