ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Paint chips lie scattered between nail heads poking from the floorboard. Doric columns connect to the ceiling near the room’s center.
Unlike a boarded-up ground level, light reaches through the second floor of the former watch factory at 325 South Madison St. in downtown Rockford. Oliver Emerson Sr. keeps an eye on the Rock River — listening for water reaching the dam.
“This historic site, as well as the building, has a lot of history,” he recounted.
Emerson and his son, Oliver Emerson Jr., await approval for a development agreement with the City of Rockford. The pair plans a $11.5 million renovation of the property — transforming it into apartments.
History
Built in 1875, 325 S. Madison first housed the Rockford Watch Company. By 1881, the property produced 70 watches per day, which Pocket Watch Database claimed fell behind market demand.
Following fires, a lightning strike, company reorganization and more, Rockford Watch Company shuttered its operation in 1915 — with nearly one million watches manufactured during its lifetime. A review of the products produced can be found here.
Rockford Public Schools then acquired the building and operated it as a vocational school for industrial jobs for decades. The city purchased it in 2014 for $580,000, according to the Rockford Register Star at the time, amidst transforming the former Ingersoll factory into the Sports Factory.
Emerson Steps In
The Emersons started their career in development around 25 years ago — building discount stores and dozens of homes around West State Street and Springfield Avenue…