For more than 150 years, the Fredendall Building has stood along Main Street in downtown Janesville, witnessing generations of change in the heart of the community.

Now, the historic building at 37 S. Main St. is beginning an exciting new chapter — as home to 10 beautifully restored apartments and another example of the momentum behind downtown Janesville's revitalization.

Forward Janesville recently joined WC Johnson, LLC, community leaders, project partners and supporters to celebrate the building's transformation with a Champions Club Ribbon Cutting.

WATCH THE RIBBON CUTTING VIDEO HERE

Built in 1868, the Fredendall Building is part of the South Main Street Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its distinctive brick exterior and architectural character have been preserved, while the second and third floors have been completely reimagined into modern residential spaces.

The 10 apartments feature high ceilings, custom windows, modern kitchens and updated amenities, combining the character of a historic building with the comforts of contemporary downtown living.

But the story behind the project extends well beyond the renovation itself.

A Vision Years in the Making

During the Ribbon Cutting ceremony, Todd Kimball of Paulson Kimball Construction reflected on the building's history and a vision his late father, Bob Kimball, had for the property more than a decade ago.

Todd recalled connecting with Charlie and Bill Johnson when they were visiting Janesville to explore potential investment opportunities. He encouraged them to take a look at the Fredendall Building.

That conversation helped set the project in motion.

"My dad wanted to do this 10 years ago and ran out of steam," Kimball said. "I'm glad the Johnsons took it to the level they did."

For the Johnson family and WC Johnson, LLC the opportunity was about more than restoring a historic property. It was a chance to invest in the community they once called home.

"As many of you know, Jenny, Bill and I grew up in Janesville, and we're so honored to be taking part in a small project that is something that is much bigger than just this building," Charlie Johnson said.

Johnson credited the years of downtown revitalization work, along with public and private investment, for helping inspire his family's decision to return to Janesville as investors.

"We wouldn't be here without the work of ARISE Now, the City investing in this building and all of the support from so many people here that made us want to come back and start investing in Janesville," Johnson said.

"We really believe in the energy behind this movement, and this is one small piece of that."

Building on Downtown's Momentum

Forward Janesville President and CEO Shar Hermanson connected the Fredendall project to the broader transformation taking place throughout downtown Janesville.

"ARISENow is 10 years old, and who would have thought 10 years ago all these great things we see in downtown Janesville?" Hermanson said.

She emphasized the importance of adding housing to the downtown landscape, bringing more residents within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, employers and entertainment.

"One of the most important parts of downtown living is housing," Hermanson said.

The Fredendall project represents an important part of that vision: preserving the historic character of downtown while creating new opportunities for people to live, work and spend time in the heart of Janesville.

It also demonstrates how sustained community investment can encourage additional private development.

Charlie Johnson recognized the collaborative effort that made the project possible, including Forward Janesville and ARISENow's revitalization vision, the City of Janesville's support, historic tax credits and opportunity zone investment.

He also thanked Paulson Kimball Construction and the many project partners who helped bring the restoration to life.

A New Chapter for a Historic Landmark

The Fredendall Building's transformation is another reminder that community revitalization doesn't happen overnight. It takes vision, persistence, partnerships and people willing to invest in what comes next.

For the Johnson family, the next chapter begins with welcoming residents into the newly restored apartments.

And for downtown Janesville, it's another step toward a vibrant, active city center where historic buildings continue to serve new generations.

Forward Janesville congratulates Charlie, Bill and Jenny Johnson, the entire WC Johnson, LLC team, Paulson Kimball Construction, Studio GWA and all those who helped make this project a reality.

We're proud to celebrate this investment in downtown Janesville and the people who continue to help move our community forward.

Learn more about the Fredendall Apartments, including available residences, at fredendallapartments.com.