A Massive Rockford Eyesore Is Coming Down; What’s Next For Rock River Elementary School?

After nearly 20 years of abandonment Rock River Elementary School in Rockford, Illinois is finally getting demolished, but what does the site's future hold?

Why Is Rock River Elementary School Still Standing?

For several years now I've been on a hunt for answers why Rock River Elementary School at 2729 Kishwaukee Road in Rockford has not been demolished yet.

Rock River Elementary School officially closed in 2005, but if I'm being honest, it had already achieved its "Rockford Eyesore Award" well before it permanently closed its doors.

Why?

Because it was old, creepy, and in a state of disrepair over 30 years ago when my mother used to teach there...oh, and it's filled with asbestos too which is totally not cool.

After doing some research, the only answer I could find to explain why Rock River Elementary was still standing was this; RPS 205 sold the building a LONG time ago to a private owner.

I may not know the answer to why this private owner purchased the building only to let it sit and crumble for nearly 20 years, but I do know its days of being a dangerous eyesore racking up code violations are quickly coming to an end.

Rock River Elementary School Will Be Demolished

According to mystateline.com;

The Winnebago County trustees took ownership of the site in 2021 and developers are interested in redeveloping the site.

A friend of mine, who attended Rock River Elementary School many moons ago went to snap pics of the school before it is demolished,(safely from the outside),  and I think you can see why it needs to come down, ASAP...

Word is the hazardous building must come down by the end of 2025, but what will the site become after that? No one has mentioned specific plans for the land, only that developers are interested in redeveloping it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Here are some more creepy photos taken several years ago from inside Rock River Elementary School, but please remember you are not allowed to enter this property.  Doing so is not only extremely dangerous, but it is also trespassing on private property which may get you arrested.