City Council gives OK for historic former Armory in Rockford to go up for sale
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city will place the historic former Illinois National Guard Armory on the market in hopes of finding a buyer who will redevelop the 88-year-old building.
City Council members voted 11-0 Monday night to approve placing the vacant 57,000-square-foot building at 605 N. Main St. up for sale. Any bid to purchase the property will require further City Council approval before its sold.
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The property was donated to the city in October 2006 after it sat vacant for years following its use as the OIC Vocational Institute from 1996-1999, according to Rockford Register Star archives.
The Art Deco style brick-and-stone structure was built starting in 1936 by Sjostrom & Sons and designed by Bradley & Bradley. It served as the home for various units of the Illinois National Guard until 1993, when the National Guard moved to Machesney Park.
Several development ideas have been proposed at the site over the years, including a nonprofit’s pitch about a dozen years ago to rebuild the property as an aquarium.
City Administrator Todd Cagnoni said there has been new interest from developers in the building, but he said it was too early to reveal those discussions and no proposal has been formally presented to the city.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
