Photos and video: The historic Chick House Hotel in downtown Rockford
Photos by Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Here’s a look inside the historic former Chick House Hotel, which is targeted for redevelopment by Urban Equity Properties.
The 168-year-old building, at the corner of State and Main streets across from the BMO Center, could become a mix of loft apartments on the upper floors with ground floor businesses under an estimated $11.7 million overhaul by UEP.
Related: Nearly $12M overhaul will turn pre-Civil War building into lofts and businesses in downtown Rockford
The building was originally called the Griggs House when it was built in 1857.
It’s one of three remaining pre-Civil War commercial buildings in downtown, according to the city. The others are the Metropolitan Hall Lofts, 404 W. State St., and Block 3 lofts at 330 E. State St.
Today, the Chick House has fallen into disrepair, with some portions of it untouched since it stopped operating as a hotel in 1951.
Here’s a look at its current condition, as well as some historic photos.
You can also take a digital walkthrough of the property HERE.

















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