On this day, November 20th, in 1986, J. R. Kortman Center for Design opened for business. We wanted to set a positive tone for our Downtown and show how you can redefine the city center by creating an alternative retail environment with an urban and entertaining experience. Our goal has been to bring merchandise and art not available anywhere else in the city, with taste & style. We have always had high hopes for our Downtown. It's taken a generation, but the city now seems to be catching on and understanding the importance of a vibrant center city.
We have been fortunate to have so much encouragement from so many people over the years, especially Nancy Froelich (Doc’s sister) who has worked in the store and stood by us since day one. We can’t thank her enough!
We would also like to thank the Rockford media, especially the Rock River Times, the Rockford Register-Star, and the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau...all who have over the years helped promote our art events and unique store experience.
Also, a big thanks to the wonderful and creative artists who have exhibited in the Kortman Gallery over the years and added so much visual excitement and cultural vitality to the Rockford arts community.
But most of all, a grand thank you to our loyal and entertaining customers who have shopped with us, which now spans 2 generations of adventurous, curious, sophisticated shoppers with a sense of taste & style. THANK YOU!
Doc&Jerry
(Painting of storefront by Ken Biddle, c. 1988)
