East Side Centre (Old YMCA), Rockford, Illinois
Constructed during 1889-90, Rockford's East Side Centre is a historic, Richardsonian Romanesque style building that has seen multiple uses over the years. Located at the corner of State and Madison streets in the city's East Rockford Historic District, this landmark structure was the first YMCA in Rockford. Look closely at the building's Madison St. entrance (right) and you'll find the letters "Y M C A" etched in stone above the arched doorway.
In 1906, the YMCA Building was remodeled and renamed the Merlin Block Office Building. Then, In 1909-11, the structure was converted into a 61-room hotel known as the East Side Inn. It remained known by this name until the hotel closed in 1968.
Vacant and in disrepair, the building was saved when it earned landmark status in 1980 as a contributing property in the East Rockford Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Renewed interest in the building led to a $1.8 million renovation in 1988, after which the building became home to a law firm for the next ten years.
The building became vacant once more after the law firm moved out in 1998. This lasted until 2007 when the building came under new ownership. The new owners conducted an extensive renovation of the property including a new roof, skylights, carpeting, etc. Then, in 2019, ownership changed hands again with the building selling for $960,000. The East Side Centre is now fully leased and among its tenants are the administrative offices of …. you guessed it … the YMCA!
Located in northern Illinois, Rockford is the seat of Winnebago County and is the largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Rockford had an estimated population of 145,609 as of 2019, with the Rockford Metropolitan Area population standing at 344,623.
East Side Centre (Old YMCA), Rockford, Illinois
Constructed during 1889-90, Rockford's East Side Centre is a historic, Richardsonian Romanesque style building that has seen multiple uses over the years. Located at the corner of State and Madison streets in the city's East Rockford Historic District, this landmark structure was the first YMCA in Rockford. Look closely at the building's Madison St. entrance (right) and you'll find the letters "Y M C A" etched in stone above the arched doorway.
In 1906, the YMCA Building was remodeled and renamed the Merlin Block Office Building. Then, In 1909-11, the structure was converted into a 61-room hotel known as the East Side Inn. It remained known by this name until the hotel closed in 1968.
Vacant and in disrepair, the building was saved when it earned landmark status in 1980 as a contributing property in the East Rockford Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Renewed interest in the building led to a $1.8 million renovation in 1988, after which the building became home to a law firm for the next ten years.
The building became vacant once more after the law firm moved out in 1998. This lasted until 2007 when the building came under new ownership. The new owners conducted an extensive renovation of the property including a new roof, skylights, carpeting, etc. Then, in 2019, ownership changed hands again with the building selling for $960,000. The East Side Centre is now fully leased and among its tenants are the administrative offices of …. you guessed it … the YMCA!
Located in northern Illinois, Rockford is the seat of Winnebago County and is the largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Rockford had an estimated population of 145,609 as of 2019, with the Rockford Metropolitan Area population standing at 344,623.