Rockford to raze dilapidated former grocery store on West State Street

By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city of Rockford plans to tear down a dilapidated former grocery store along West State Street as a means to set the stage for future development.

Razing the former Al-Mart grocery store, located along a stretch of West State Street being rebuilt into a four-lane road, is one of two demolitions City Council members may sign off on Monday. The city may also demolish a condemned property next to Faith Temple Church, 1406 School St.

Both measures moved through the Finance & Personnel Committee earlier this week.

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Demolition of Al-Mart, 2323 W. State St., has been on the city’s radar since it acquired the property as part of its plans to expand and rebuild State Street, according to Brandon Kruse, construction services coordinator for the city of Rockford.

The condemned property at 1438 School Street next to the church caught the city’s attention about three years ago, he said.

Demolishing the structures could bring opportunities for growth, Kruse said.

“Anytime we get more vacated land, (and) redevelopment opportunities along the West State Street corridor, is excellent,” Kruse said. “The more open and effective lots that you have mean it’s easier to plan a redevelopment in these areas.”

If approved by the council, the city would pay $13,685 to DPI Construction of Pecatonica to raze the School Street building. That money comes from the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

The city would pay $104,780 to N-TRAK Group of Loves Park to demolish the former grocery store if council members give it the OK.

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Both properties were certified for demolition because they were blighted, dilapidated and abandoned, according to the city. Al-Mart grocery store closed more than 10 years ago and has remained vacant since.

“The building itself is currently not savable,” Kruse said. “The best option is to demolish it for future potential growth in that area.”

Demolition of the former Al-Mart is expected to happen in early October, and the School Street property would be razed in mid-September.

The demolition projects go before City Council for approval on Monday.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described one of the buildings being demolished. This story has been updated to correct the error. 

This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent