A Look Inside the Sad Remains of A Rockford Landmark, Midway Theater

Midway Theater has a long history.  It was constructed in downtown Rockford in 1918 and still remains standing today. Motion pictures, plays, concerts, and various gatherings inhabited the venue but, over the last several years, it has sat empty.

It's accurate to say this once beautiful theater has been neglected. In 2013, the roof collapsed. Years later it was purchased and briefly had improvements coming to fruition but that came to a halt and ultimately led to the City of Rockford condemning the property, fining the owner, and forcing resale. The property had been listed on TRULIA for $474,500 but has since been removed from the market.

What does Midway Theater look like on this outside? First, let's visit the outside before we peek inside.

THE MARQUEE

As you will see, the iconic Midway Theater marquee needs a little tender, love, and care.

THE ENTRANCE

It has certainly seen a lot of traffic over the past 103 years.

THE SIDE(S)

Some of the windows are boarded up, others are completely missing.

LET'S LOOK INSIDE

This is where it gets even sadder. I attended a concert as a teen inside Midway Theater and it did not look like something out of The Walking Dead.

Another view...

Here's a look at what appears to have been part of the lobby.

There has been little word about the future of Midway Theater. It will be a sad day in Rockford's history should the iconic building be demolished.