Efforts underway to save Rockford’s historic Elk’s Lodge from demolition

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The future of the former Elk’s Lodge remains uncertain as stakeholders await the results of the forthcoming evaluation, which could determine the building’s fate.

The Historic Preservation Committee has requested that the city delay any demolition plans for the structure at 210 W. Jefferson until a thorough evaluation of the building’s repair needs can be conducted.

Elk’s Lodge #64 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was formerly used by a chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a fraternal order founded in 1887.

The building, built in 1912, once housed a swimming pool, gymnasium, dining room, and apartments. It has sat vacant since 1990.

In 2021, a judge ordered the building to be demolished.

The building had fallen into disrepair and has become a public safety issue, with bricks falling off the facade and portions of the roof falling and landing on the sidewalk.

“We did do all the prescriptive fixes that were asked of us to make it safe. And, thankfully, there have not been any injuries, no damage to private property or cars, or any other things of that nature. So my efforts have been numerous,” said the property’s owner, Mark McInnis.

“I’m not in favor of demolishing this building. I understand. By any means, I think there is,” McInnis added. “I think there is some hope for it.”

Landmarks Illinois has committed to funding a third-party evaluation of the Elk’s Lodge building, which will not incur any cost to the city.

The date for the evaluation has not yet been determined, leaving the timeline for any potential preservation efforts uncertain.

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