The story of the Ziock building shows how a few strong advocates can help revitalize an aging, neglected building and accomplish great things for their community.
The Rockford Register Star’s Excalibur Award is given to an individual who through excellence in community service has made a difference in the Rock River Valley. The Excelsior Award goes to an organization for doing the same. Gary Anderson is an Excalibur finalist.
Name: Gary W. Anderson
Occupation: Architect, owner of Studio GWA
About the nominee: Architect and historic preservationist Gary Anderson has played a key role in the resurgence of downtown Rockford, culminating with the redevelopment of the dilapidated former Amerock factory into the four-star Hilton Embassy Suites and Lawrence J. Morrissey Conference Center. If not for Anderson and the Friends of Ziock a group of preservationists and residents he helped to form it might have been demolished years ago.