ROCKFORD, IL — Demolition of the historic former Elks Lodge #64 began Feb. 16 with large backhoes knocking down much of the 113-year-old building’s eastern wall.
Demolition ends a lengthy legal drama. After years of neglect, Rockford had since 2018 taken the property owner to court in an effort to gain compliance with city building codes and force redevelopment to proceed.
When fixes did not happen, a Winnebago County Court judge granted Rockford permission to demolish the building to protect public safety. Rockford officials say that parts of the building fell onto the street and sidewalk and that the roof had failed, potentially endangering passersby…